AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Work on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's planned expansion soared ahead Thursday, following approval from Austin City Council on nearly $1.9 billion's worth of contract items. The contracts approved work related to the Journey With AUS program, an estimated $4 billion, years-long expansion and development initiative to overhaul Austin's airport. Council's approvals Thursday related to work on the upcoming Concourse B and connector tunnel and the creation of an Arrivals and Departures Hall. Council approved Thursday a contract for the Concourse B and tunnel project, with contract costs capped at $1.031 billion. That project is designed to deliver a minimum of 20 new airline gates along with an underground tunnel at AUS for passengers, baggage and utilities. The tunnel will link the Barbara Jordan Terminal with Concourse B, with city documents outlining the possibility of a "phased addition of 10 or more gates," per contract documents. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Austin could approve $1.9B for airport expansion work next week Work on that project is expected to wrap in 2030, according to a city news release shared Thursday. City leaders also greenlit two contracts related to the new Arrivals and Departures Hall project, approving a $45 million contract for design and construction phase services along with an agreement for pre-construction and construction services, to the tune of $820 million. The new Arrivals and Departures Hall is intended to serve as the welcoming zone at AUS, with hall features including the passenger ticketing check-in lobby, domestic baggage claim area, upgraded passenger circulations, concessions and public restrooms, as outlined in project documents. That project is also expected to complete construction in 2030, per the city's release. As part of work on this project, AUS will remove the existing Red Garage and other significant structures, realign Presidential Boulevard, add new curbsides and roadways, as well as construct pedestrian bridges linking the parking and rental facilities to the new hall. Airport officials also confirmed Thursday AUS is reserving right-of-way for future light rail connections to the airport, coordinating with the Austin Transit Partnership on those efforts. While Project Connect's approved Phase 1 of light rail doesn't guarantee an AUS connection, extending the route to the airport is noted as a priority extension for the light rail project. Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, whose city district includes the airport, commended work advancing the project during Thursday's meeting. "We are totally reshaping the experience that Austinites and travelers will have in our airport, while ensuring the safety of our workers at the airport," she said.