Passengers traveling through Salt Lake City International Airport will no longer feel as if they've completed a full marathon after simply walking to their gates.
Phase 3 of the airport's redevelopment program opened Tuesday. It includes the long-awaited River Tunnel, which is expected to drastically reduce the distance travelers need to walk between the main terminal and Concourses B.
A nearly one-mile trek to Concourse B has greeted passengers since the airport opened in 2020. However, the 1,000-foot tunnel included in Phase 3 should cut that lengthy journey in half.
The distinct look of the River Tunnel was created by artist Gordon Huether, who shared that its design was inspired by the beauty of Utah.
Max and Robyn time out how much quicker the new tunnel makes travel in the airport:
Along with the new tunnel, Phase 3 also includes five additional gates in Concourse B, a mini-plaza, as well as some new artwork.
The original world map that millions of passengers walked across to get to their gate inside one of the terminals at the old Salt Lake City Airport also returns. The world map is front and center as passengers descend up the escalators to Concourse B. Passengers will also enjoy a piece entitled Northern Light by artist Gordon Heuther, which hangs from the ceiling.
Another addition of Phase 3 also includes a dinosaur. On display at Concourse B is a replica of Utah's state fossil: The Allosaurus fossil. According to airport officials, renowned dinosaur quarries in Utah have produced thousands of fossils of this predator.