LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport will be expanding its security checkpoint.

The airport announced Thursday a $45 million investment for the construction of a 30,000 square foot addition to the terminal's west side.

Bill Ferko is a frequent flyer. He's looking forward to the airport's security checkpoint expansion.

"It's been needed for a really long time," Ferko said.

It will feature up to 10 screening lanes, state-of-the-art equipment and a breach control exit lane.

“Today’s celebration is an exciting milestone in SDF’s history as we’re enhancing our facilities for the future,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.

“The new security checkpoint will be a significant improvement for travelers that follows multiple record-setting years for passenger traffic. Thanks to increased air service and community support, we have outgrown our current security checkpoint. I am confident we’re addressing this need today by making crucial improvements aimed at continuing to provide a best-in-class experience at SDF,” he said. 

The expansion will increase screening capacity by more than 60% compared to its current six-lane configuration.

"This is a huge project. It's giving us additional capability to handle the volume that we're seeing here at the airport," Mark Howell, a TSA Regional Spokesperson, said.

The project will receive more than $31 million in federal funding which includes $7.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airport Terminal Program.

The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $5 million towards the project with House Bill 1.

“Every day Kentuckians rely on this airport," Senator Mitch McConnell said. "Whether it’s connecting our people with the rest of the country, moving the goods that fuel interstate commerce or bringing in millions of travelers who come for the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and countless other attractions that make up our billion-dollar tourism economy."

The project is part of the SDF Next Program which is an effort that'll see more than $500 million invested in the terminal.

SDF is the fastest growing airport in America.

Howell said, last year, TSA screened 2.58 million passengers through SDF's security checkpoint.

And, year to date, TSA has screened about 2.3 million.

"We're projected to surpass last year's total before we get to the year to year. And that volume is not going anywhere. We're going to see that when we come into Derby next year, spring break, into the summer, into the holidays, it's consistent, and this is really going to help us stay in front of that volume as the airport and as the city continues to grow," Howell said.

Ferko told WDRB he thinks faster lines will leave a better impression of Louisville as they exit the city.

"That's the last thing they remember as they leave the airport -- well-- I don't want to go back there again," Ferko said.

Construction will begin in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed by late 2026. As of now, construction should not impact travelers.

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