SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — University of Illinois’ Willard Airport is building a newer and larger space to house its security checkpoint, which hasn’t been improved in more than 35 years.

The airport’s Executive Director Tim Bannon said the current checkpoint is undersized for the airport’s current needs.

“Right now at the landing on top of the escalators, that space gets quite congested at times,” Bannon said. “There’s really nowhere for passengers to go. We have passengers queuing on the stairs at times waiting to get up to the checkpoint.”

The project is creating space for a large queue area, two security lanes and a place for people to gather their belongings after going through security.

The director said it will not only help avoid overcrowding, but also set up Willard to expand its routes in the future.

“We want to be ready for more flights. Projects like this make us ready for more flights,” Bannon said.

Projects like this one, however, cost a pretty penny. The new security checkpoint is using $3 million dollars of state and federal infrastructure grants.

Bannon said he expects the new checkpoint to be open in January of 2026.