JULY 2014 BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT Project 500N-Terminal D, Phase III-Gate D9 A380 Conversion Project Manager: Randy Williams Everything is Bigger Terminal D at IAH The saying everything is bigger in Texas holds true on the Terminal D airside of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Bigger aircraft, carrying more passengers, are visiting IAH these days and the Houston Airport System is working enthusiastically to accommodate them. Presently, only gate D12 can accommodate ADG VI and A380 aircraft. Due to anticipated demand, HAS has initiated modifications to Gate D9 to provide a second gate that can accommodate the larger aircraft. Design for conversion to allow for enplaning and deplaning of these aircraft under Phase III of Project 500N is in progress. Continued on next page.
Everything is Bigger Continued With only one gate currently able to accommodate these aircraft, work to convert Gate D9 to an ADG VI aircraft gate is being fast tracked. Many international carriers, including Emirates who just announced that it will be adding more seats to its flights out of Houston starting in December, are interested now, rather than later, in using the A380 at IAH which will increase passenger seating capacity. The conversion process of the gate will include: adding a gate entry from the gate Departure Level to a new fixed walkway and new Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB), as well as replacement of the existing Boarding Entry at the gate that will be used to provide access to the lower door of the A380 and other proposed aircraft that will use the gate. New PBBs will require new equipment to accommodate the power, air, water and fueling at the larger gate. Some demolition will also be necessary for the construction upgrade. If approval by the City, design, and construction is on schedule, this gate should be converted for service by December 2014.
HOBBY / ELLINGTON AIRPORT Project 684B-Roadway Signage at Hobby Airport/Gateway Sign at Ellington Field Project Manager: Catherine McMullen World Class Airports The Consistent Message The Houston Airport System is in the process of multiple improvements to the world class airports of the City. Among these ongoing improvements is the project to keep the visual messages consistent at each of the airport gateways to Houston. This process to develop a uniform wayfinding system at the City s airports is where Project 684 comes in. With most of the new exterior signage in place at IAH, the project team is now moving into the B phase of the project. Project 684B will encompass the development of new signage at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), as well as the addition of gateway signs at HOU and Ellington (EDF). With Hobby Airport in the midst of a major expansion program and roadway improvements getting underway at Ellington, the project management team and HAS feels this is an ideal time to begin the construction of the uniform wayfinding system to continue to enhance the passenger experience. Continued on next page.
World Class Airports Continued The work plan under Project 684B is to occur in four phases. This will begin with a site survey to include the review and analysis of the conceptual wayfinding system for both airports, as well as the review of all relevant and available plans regarding airport utilities or infrastructure that may impact the proposed signage. During the second phase of work, the Contractor would be required to develop cost estimates for the signage program. After design and approval of the plan, the new signs would be fabricated then installed reflecting the new message that the recently installed IAH signs convey. The installation will require replacing all of the existing signs at HOU and EFD with new foundations, structures and sign panels. This project has been designated as one of high priority by airport management as it will create a better experience for the traveling public. The Contractor will be required to coordinate construction with ongoing construction at HOU. The signage is anticipated to be in place to support the October 2015 opening of the Parking Garage and International Terminal.
BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT Project 565-Landside Roadway Rehabilitation Project Manager: Randy Williams Landside Roadway Rehabilitation Preparing For An Overhaul The Houston Airport System is not immune to the constant stress that vehicles and other elements put on the IAH landside roadways. Due to the stress from passenger vehicles, freight movement, weather and other impacting factors you will begin to see a major overhaul of the roadway system at IAH. Project 565 is the project that will rehabilitate the landside roadways at IAH that have been in service for four decades. The effort will correct problems which include cracking, joint failures, surface and drainage issues, and all pavement and structural deficiencies. Design plans for the project have been submitted. It has been determined that full panel replacement for Will Clayton Parkway, from Lee Road to the JFK flyovers, will be performed. The process for HAS to request construction bids for PN565 is underway. The roadway improvements will occur in phases so disruption to traffic will be minimal. All work should be completed by November 2015. In the end, the travelers at IAH will benefit from extra years of quality roadways that are safer and more appealing.