Austin could approve $1.9B for airport expansion work next week
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Next week, Austin City Council could approve nearly $1.9 billion in design and construction-related contracts for expansion work at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
The Journey With AUS program is the airport's expansion and development initiative that details a complete overhaul of the airport to expand capacity and upgrade operations. Components within the program include the development of Concourse B and a connector tunnel, the construction of an Arrivals and Departures Hall, expansions to the West Gate Terminal and TSA Checkpoint 3 areas along with the creation of a new central utility plant and midfield taxiways.
On Sept. 26, Austin City Council will consider three items related to larger-scale project elements: A contract for pre-construction and construction services on the Concourse B and tunnel project, another contract for design and construction phase services for the Arrivals and Departures Hall project and a third centered around pre-construction and construction services on the Arrivals and Departures Hall project.
The contract for the Concourse B and tunnel project is proposed with Hensel Phelps Construction Company, with the sticker price not to surpass $1.031 billion. If approved, funding for the item will be pulled from the Department of Aviation's capital budget.
The city is also weighing a $45 million contract with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP for design and construction phase services on the Arrivals and Departures Hall project. The final contract outlined in the Sept. 26 agenda is a proposed $820 million agreement with Austin Commercial LP for pre-construction and construction services on the Arrivals and Departures Hall project.
Both of those projects, if approved, would pull its funding from the department's capital budget, as well.
Project details
The Arrivals and Departures Hall project will serve as a welcoming zone and gateway into AUS, featuring the passenger ticketing check-in lobby, domestic baggage claim area, upgraded passenger circulations, concessions and public restrooms, among others. Other project elements include:
- Removal of the current Red Garage and other significant structures
- Realigning of Presidential Boulevard
- New curbside and roadways
- Pedestrian bridges linking parking and rental facilities to the new hall
The Concourse B and tunnel project will include at least 20 new airline gates and an underground tunnel for passengers, baggage and utilities, linking the Barbara Jordan Terminal with Concourse B. There could also be a "phased addition of 10 or more gates," depending on operational and capacity needs.
For all three contracts, AUS documents noted the airport is poised to apply for federal airport improvement program grants to help fund the initiatives.
More details on the contract considerations — and other council agenda items — are available online.