Terminal 1 renovation project begins at San Francisco International Airport

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There are big changes coming to SFO Friday morning that affects not only those who are traveling, but those dropping off their friends and family.

The area that used to be the Southwest ticket counter moved on Thursday and is now way down the terminal.

That's just one of the changes - a lot more are also coming to Terminal 1 as a renovation project begins.

During this time, boarding areas will remain open but a portion of the roads and the curbside near the terminal will be affected.

That's for arrivals and departures.

Many people were being dropped off at the curb where the Southwest ticket counter used to be and then they had to walk about an eighth of a mile to actually get to the new one.

A connecting walkway is also closing.

SFO officials say the planned renovation will cost $2.5 billion and will be fully completed by 2024.

However, construction on this phase of Terminal 1 is only expected to last for two years.

Click here for more information on how to navigate the closures.