Chicago O’Hare International Airport continues to make great strides toward better efficiency and greater passenger capacity, bringing outstanding service to travelers flying in and out of the Chicago area.

In the latter half of 2015, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Aviation announced the completion of two construction projects — Runway 10R-28L and a South Air Traffic Control Tower. One of the many results of the O’Hare Modernization Program, Runway 10R-28L, located on the south airfield, is the fourth new runway to open since 2008. The $516 million addition and accompanying taxiway system started construction in 2011.

The runway will significantly increase throughput while also decreasing the airport’s number of delays, regardless of weather conditions. Projections estimate Runway 10R-28L will increase airport arrival rates by 24 percent and airport departure rates by 25 percent during good weather, with a 40 percent increase in arrival rates and 18 percent increase in departure rates in poor weather. These increases are expected to push arrival and departure numbers into nearly or more than 100 flights per hour at all times.

The new South Air Traffic Control Tower will manage the runway’s operations. The design of the $41 million, 13-story structure includes a 10,000-square-foot vegetated green roof and geothermal energy system, following the guidelines needed to achieve LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Ginger S. Evans, commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation © Chicago O’Hare International Airport

As O’Hare International Airport continues to improve its facilities, travelers take notice. This recognition was most recently evidenced in O’Hare International Airport’s win of the 2015 GT Tested Reader Survey award for Best Airport in North America for the 12th consecutive year, an award based upon the eight-month, open-ended survey featured both in the magazine and online.

“Thanks to the readers of Global Traveler for voting Chicago O’Hare International Airport as the best airport in North America,” said Ginger S. Evans, commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. “The CDA will build on this reputation by continuing to expand the air service options at O’Hare and further enhancing the customer experience with new amenities, services and cutting-edge technology.”

Inside the terminals, travelers can now expect to see Mother’s Rooms for private nursing, yoga rooms and an indoor service animal relief area. Newly added retail options include Coach and MAC stores. Beginning in early 2016, also look for renovations at restaurants in Terminals 1 and 2.