Denver International Airport's continued expansion and rehabilitation demonstrate the scale of construction required to support growing aviation demand while keeping one of the nation's busiest airports operational. FlatironDragados has participated in a series of projects involving gates, concourses, taxiways, aircraft parking, roadways, drainage and utility systems at the Colorado airport.
FlatironDragados and Turner Construction expanded two airport concourses through a program intended to increase passenger and aircraft capacity. The work added 28 gates and approximately 900,000 square feet of space, along with passenger amenities and supporting infrastructure.
The program also included improvements to utility systems, aircraft fueling and deicing facilities and installation of a rooftop solar array. The work was delivered in phases while supporting ongoing airport operations.
FlatironDragados also completed Taxiway EE, a 4,500-foot cross-field connection designed to improve aircraft movement and address an FAA-identified operational conflict area. Construction required the relocation of FAA infrastructure, more than 800,000 cubic yards of earthwork and placement of more than 65,000 square yards of concrete pavement. The project was completed two months ahead of schedule.
Another aviation capacity project involved a remote aircraft parking apron for United Airlines. The facility provides parking capacity for as many as 20 narrow-body aircraft or five wide-body aircraft. Construction included more than 100,000 square yards of apron paving and the incorporation of more than 60,000 tons of recycled concrete aggregate.
FlatironDragados has also completed projects supporting ground transportation and winter aircraft operations. The Taxiway DS East and Deicing Pad project included a 2,500-foot taxiway and nine deicing positions. The work was completed within budget and two months ahead of schedule.
The company is also upgrading Peña Boulevard between Jackson Gap Street and the airport terminal. Phase 1B includes a diverging diamond interchange and widened bridges intended to improve access along the primary roadway serving Denver International Airport. The project has received Envision Silver recognition for sustainable infrastructure delivery.
At Concourse A, FlatironDragados rehabilitated the Gate A31 apron, improved drainage and upgraded utility and aircraft fueling systems. The work was divided into four construction phases to maintain airport operations while the improvements were performed.
The projects illustrate the complexity of aviation construction, where major pavement, utility, roadway and facility improvements must be coordinated around active airport operations. Phased delivery, schedule control and infrastructure relocation are particularly important for owners managing capacity improvements without interrupting passenger and aircraft activity.
For contractors and developers pursuing airport work, the program also demonstrates the range of construction packages generated by long-term aviation infrastructure investment, from large-scale concourse expansions and airfield paving to roadway improvements, drainage rehabilitation and specialized aircraft support facilities.
Source: Flatiron Dragados.
