Beginning this week, a look out the windows near Gate D77 will reveal a glimpse of the future at Pittsburgh International Airport.

That’s when work crews will begin removing 12 jet bridges to prepare for construction of a new terminal and multi-use complex, all part of the Terminal Modernization Program, known as TMP.

In construction jargon, this is an “enabling” project, which means that it prepares the site for the heavy construction to follow. The jet bridge removal is expected to be completed in January, and ground is expected to be broken next year.

Two 150-foot cranes are expected to be visible on the west tarmac, as well as construction trailers, fencing and barricades to secure the worksite. The first jet bridge to be removed will be at Gate D77. Four of the jet bridges will be re-used at gates on Concourse B and the others will be salvaged or sold to other airports.

“This is a critical milestone to advance the modernization program, the airport and the region,” said Paul Hoback, chief development officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. “We are excited that this early preparatory work is progressing on schedule and we look forward to groundbreaking next year.”

Mascaro Construction, one of Pittsburgh’s largest and most well-regarded contractors, was awarded the $1.2 million contract in August.

“We are eager to begin,” said executive vice president Michael Mascaro, adding that the work ahead “will play a pivotal role in the transformation of the airport as it supports Western Pennsylvania’s growth.”

To clear the site, the airport has relocated all active airline and aircraft operations on the even- numbered gates along Concourse C and odd-numbered gates along Concourse D. Geotechnical work on the site also has been completed.

Additionally, work is underway on the three-year TMP construction logistics plan, which aims to isolate the construction area from public roadways, active airfield operations and passengers to minimize impacts and keep employees and the public safe.

“We’ve had our construction managers onsite well in advance of this enabling project to make sure we’re doing everything we can to maintain the most safe and efficient operations,” Hoback said.

The new terminal is expected to be completed in 2023.

The design development phase of the TMP continues through January to work out technical specifications for the new facilities, including the number and location of ticket counters, security checkpoint lanes, the baggage handling system and vehicle and pedestrian flows. At that point, the program is expected to reach 60 percent design completion.

Additional enabling projects are expected to be bid and awarded through March 2020. They include capping the aircraft hydrant fueling system that runs beneath the construction site, and preparing the construction site access for crews and equipment.

“We continue to work with all of our stakeholders to gather input and feedback on design, construction and implementation,” Hoback said. “We are building an airport for Pittsburgh inspired by Pittsburgh, and we want to get it right.”