Local elected officials came together yesterday to break ground on a $1.6-billion terminal at LAX, the latest component of the airport's expansive modernization project.

The 750,000-square-foot Midfield Satellite Concourse will add 12 new gates, a new baggage system and additional shops and restaurants for travelers through the world's busiest origin-and-destination airport.  It will function as an extension of the existing Tom Bradley International Terminal, connected via a 1,000-foot underground tunnel.

The new, sustainably designed terminal will be an extension of Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). It will be located in the airfield just west of TBIT, and will connect passengers to it directly through a 1,000-foot underground tunnel.

Construction of the new terminal is expected to create 6,000 new jobs and produce more than $300 million in direct wages, of which $195 million will go to small businesses.

Completion of the Midfield Satellite Concourse is scheduled for 2019.

The terminal is one piece of the $14 billion modernization plan which includes upgrades to all of the airport's terminals, a consolidated rental car facility, and a ground transportation hub which will link to the Metro Rail network.