LOS ANGELES — Construction has begun on a new $1.6 billion (Cdn$2.11 billion) terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.

Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city leaders helped break ground Monday on the Midfield Satellite Concourse, which will connect to the Tom Bradley International Terminal via an underground tunnel.

The 750,000-square-foot terminal will include 12 gates and a new baggage system, as well as restaurants and shops. It’s scheduled to be completed in 2019.

RT @CorganInc: Officially broke ground! A defining moment for the City of Los Angeles. #laxmsc #architecture #design pic.twitter.com/4rktCymfOf

— LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) February 27, 2017

Garcetti’s office says construction of the terminal is expected to create 6,000 jobs, produce more than $300 million in direct wages and enable LAX to add flights while relieving congestion at other terminals.

The construction is part of a multibillion-dollar modernization of the nation’s third busiest airport.