Implementation of the $1.4bn SMForward program at the Sacramento International Airport advances with major upgrades underway. The project is gearing up for a busy summer as the travel season promises to be eventful. With Memorial Day less than two weeks away, the airport is set of another busy summer travel season. Moreover, the World Cup is nearing as the U.S. prepares major infrastructural facilities to host people from all over the world.
The Sacramento International is no different as there are several major improvement projects across the airport. These include ongoing construction work on the new pedestrian bridge at Terminal B and the airport’s new 5,5000-space parking garage.
Airport officials said both projects remain on track to be completed by the end of the year. However, neither is expected to open before the summer travel rush begins. SMF said last summer was the busiest summer travel season on record. Nonetheless, officials project passenger numbers could surpass that mark again this year. Another major airport expansion is also taking place at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport in Texas after securing a $1.18bn financing package.
The airport successfully completed an Airport System Revenue Bond sale that saw it secure the much needed funding. The transaction marks the largest bond sale in the history of the airport and the City of Austin. The funds will support near-term projects within the Airport Expansion and Development Program (AEDP).
Outlook on the SMForward Program at Sacramento International Airport
The SMForward program at the Sacramento International Airport is bringing with it various changes to the airport. Among some of the changes travelers will notice this summer are new restaurants opening in Terminals A and B, along with upgrades already in use inside the existing parking garage. “One of our biggest improvements since the last summer is that our parking garage now has a parking guidance system that’s the red and green lights that direct you to a spot that’s open, so you don’t have to circle,” said Lindsay Myers, Sacramento International Airport spokesperson.
The parking guidance system uses red and green lights above parking spaces to help drivers quickly identify available spots. Airport officials are also encouraging travelers planning to park in the garage this summer to arrive before 7 a.m. They note this is because the garage typically reaches capacity on busy travel days, though other parking lots remain open. Some travelers at the airport Monday morning said they welcomed the ongoing improvements.
“It’s awesome, it’s really amazing. I think it’ll make travel a little bit easier for everyone else. It makes it easy too. From checking in to everything, it makes it easier,” said travelers Randy Stephens and Jan Stephens. Over the next several years, additional projects are also planned at SMF, including an expansion of Concourse B, a new Terminal A exit road and a consolidated rental.
Project Factsheet:
- Project Name: SMForward Program
- Location: Sacramento International Airport, California, USA
- Estimated Investment Value: $1.4 Billion
- Project Type: Airport Expansion and Modernization Program
Timeline
- 2026: Major upgrades actively under construction
- Summer 2026: Peak travel season preparations underway
- End of 2026: Expected completion of pedestrian bridge and new parking garage
- Future Phases: Additional terminal and roadway expansions planned over coming years
Site & Scale
- Airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- New Parking Garage Capacity: 5,500 spaces
- Major Facilities Under Construction
- New pedestrian bridge at Terminal B
Multi-level parking garage
- Future Expansions:
- Concourse B expansion
- New Terminal A exit road
- Consolidated rental car facility
Project Teams
- Project Owner: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- Airport Authority: Sacramento County Airport System
- Airport Spokesperson: Lindsay Myers
Infrastructure Scope
- Construction of new pedestrian bridge connecting Terminal B
- Development of 5,500-space parking garage
- Installation of smart parking guidance system with red/green indicators
- Terminal restaurant and concession upgrades
- Future expansion of Concourse B facilities
- Roadway and traffic circulation improvements
- Future consolidated rental car infrastructure
Strategic Objectives
- Improve passenger movement and airport accessibility
- Increase parking and terminal capacity ahead of growing passenger demand
- Prepare airport infrastructure for increased tourism and World Cup-related travel
- Enhance traveler experience and operational efficiency
- Support long-term regional air traffic growth
Challenges
- Managing construction during active airport operations
- Handling expected record-breaking summer passenger volumes
- Parking congestion during peak travel periods
- Ensuring projects remain on schedule before future global travel events
- Coordinating phased infrastructure upgrades across multiple airport areas
Current Status
- Major construction activities actively underway
- Pedestrian bridge and parking garage remain on track for completion by end of 2026
- New parking guidance system already operational
- New restaurants opening in Terminals A and B
- Airport preparing for another record summer travel season
