FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno’s airport expansion project is only months away from the finish line.

Monday afternoon Fresno’s movers and shakers dropped by the airport to see the last steel beam drop into place.

The $8.5 million Fresno Airport Terminal expansion project has been taking shape since May 2023.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer says the project is on schedule and on budget.

“This expansion will transform our airport into a modern spacious and efficient transportation hub providing travelers with the best amenities right here at our airport for many many years to come,” Dyer said.

Fresno Congressman Jim Costa helped bring federal dollars to pay for the project. He calls it an investment in our future.

“We’re strengthening our economy and it’s estimated we’ll have over 85-million dollars in terms of creating hundreds of new jobs,” Costa said.

Once finished the terminal will feature a new concourse wing with two passenger boarding bridges, a larger security screening check point, and a new federal inspection station for international arrivals.

There will also be a new waiting area for friends and family, plus hold rooms will be expanded.

“Great cities have great airports and you can’t claim to have a great city unless you have a great airport,” Dyer said.

The so called “Topping Off Ceremony” allows political leaders to sign the last beam before it is lifted into place.

In November the roof will be fully installed. Mayor Dyer says work on the interior begins next January and the first phase of the terminal opens in February 2025.

The full terminal is set to open in the fall of next year.