To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

CHARLOTTE -- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is unveiling the newest expansion and security checkpoint. The $23 million project is meant to alleviate congestion at all the checkpoints and at international arrivals. Aviation Director Jerry Orr gave the media a sneak peak on Tuesday.

"Our vision is based on efficiency and effectiveness, which all stems from service to the customer,” said Orr. “We try to look at everything as if we were the passenger."

Orr says the expansion is meant to help with checkpoint capacity and international arrivals, two areas which get congested easily.

Checkpoint E is scheduled to open Friday and will bring the total number of security lanes to 20 throughout the airport. The new checkpoint is supposed to lighten traffic at the existing checkpoints, but Orr says if the TSA doesn't increase staff, it's nearly pointless.

"If they don't add people, if they just pull people from other checkpoint lines to this one, it won't make a difference," added Orr.

A TSA spokesperson says it will not add additional resources for the new checkpoint. Jon Allen says staffing is based on passenger volume, not the number of security lanes.

Passengers will also notice a difference with international flights. The expansion is meant to help with congestion on the ticketing level.

The expansion is an extension of the current terminal lobby. It will have additional ticket counters, luggage drop areas, and the TSA offices. Other current projects include a new baggage screening system and parking deck. Construction of the terminal expansion began in October of 2010.