Long-term construction programs at active airports require contractors to coordinate complex building work without interrupting passenger, airline and tenant operations. Weitz has built more than two decades of experience at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport through a series of terminal, transportation and baggage infrastructure projects.
Weitz completed a major Terminal 4 retail renovation in 2006. The 167,000-square-foot project involved reconstruction of Level 3, elevator modernization, retail improvements, security checkpoint modifications, MEP replacements and a new freight elevator.
The original schedule called for 36 months of work, while the project was completed in 22 months through phased construction, coordinated material deliveries, utility shutdown planning and management of public-area closures.
In 2014, Weitz also completed a 78,000-square-foot Terminal 4 food and beverage infrastructure project valued at $3.4 million. The work provided shell infrastructure and MEP and fire protection systems for 22 existing concession areas and two additional locations.
Construction extended across the terminal concourses, tarmac and apron and included sewer installation, grease interceptors and replacement of portions of apron concrete and sidewalks.
Weitz also served as general contractor for the first two phases of the PHX Sky Train system. The work included 3.2 miles of automated train running surfaces, followed by another 1.2 miles of guideway connecting Terminals 4 and 3.
The program included a 35,000-square-foot Maintenance and Operations Facility containing a train control center, administrative offices, maintenance areas and the primary power supply.
A subsequent Sky Train maintenance and storage facility expansion added maintenance bays, storage areas, offices and workshop space. The project also included a train wash system designed to reuse 70% of its water.
Weitz is currently involved in modernization of Terminal 4's baggage handling infrastructure, which has been in service for more than three decades.
The upgrade program addresses outbound baggage, screening and inbound claim systems across T4 North, T4 International, T4 Recheck, T4 FIS and inbound baggage claim areas. Associated architectural, mechanical, electrical, technology and life-safety work is also included.
Because the baggage infrastructure operates within an active airport, construction requires phased execution and coordination with airport operations, airlines, tenants and other project stakeholders.
The work at Phoenix Sky Harbor illustrates the specialized coordination required for construction inside an operating airport. Terminal renovations, baggage systems and automated transportation infrastructure must be integrated with existing facilities while maintaining continuous airport functions.
For airport owners and construction managers, the program demonstrates how phased delivery and coordination across architectural, MEP, technology, life-safety and transportation systems can support modernization without requiring an airport to suspend normal operations.
Source: Weitz.
