San Antonio International Airport's expansion is adding a major roadway and bridge construction component aimed at increasing curbside capacity and improving vehicle circulation around the new terminal. Zachry Construction Corporation has been selected to deliver that portion of the program under a subcontract with Hensel Phelps.
The project was awarded June 4, 2026, and construction is expected to start in September. Work will proceed in phases through the second half of 2028, requiring roadway and structural construction within an operating airport environment.
Zachry Construction's initial work will widen the existing elevated curbside roadway and establish a direct connection to Terminal C. Later phases will reorganize Terminal Drive to provide dedicated access for Terminal C departing passengers.
The scope also includes changes to the existing U.S. 281 connection bridge so it can align with the revised roadway configuration.
The completed improvements are intended to increase lane capacity and allow Terminal C departure traffic to bypass the existing Terminal A and Terminal B curbside areas. That configuration is designed to separate traffic movements and improve circulation through the airport.
Material quantities demonstrate the scale of the civil work. Zachry Construction is responsible for more than 3,300 cubic yards of concrete, over 800,000 pounds of reinforcing steel and approximately 6,300 linear feet of precast bridge beams.
Selected locations will use precast caps as part of the construction approach. The use of precast structural elements can help coordinate work within constrained areas where maintaining airport operations is a project requirement.
The roadway package is part of San Antonio International Airport's broader Terminal Development Program, which includes construction of the new Terminal C.
Hensel Phelps is serving as construction manager at risk for the Terminal C project, with Zachry Construction responsible for the designated roadway and bridge package. The phased approach will require coordination between structural work, roadway changes and ongoing airport access.
Zachry Construction has previously performed work at San Antonio International Airport. Its recent airport assignments include apron paving associated with the Terminal Development Program and work on the South Remain Overnight Aircraft Parking project, which added seven aircraft parking positions near Terminal A's ground-load facility.
For airport owners and contractors, the project illustrates the coordination requirements associated with expanding transportation infrastructure while maintaining operations. The package combines elevated roadway construction, bridge modifications, concrete placement, reinforcing steel and precast components within an active aviation facility.
The project also creates a defined multiyear civil construction workload tied to San Antonio's terminal expansion. For construction stakeholders pursuing aviation and transportation work, the scope highlights the importance of phased delivery, structural coordination and maintaining access during construction.
Source: Zachary Construction.
