b'BAGGAGESRQ31Thanks to funding support, the $46.9 million project was paidinfrastructure to match the needs of a more for with a $24.5 million TSA grant, $12 million from the Floridamodern baggage handling system.Department of Transportation and $12 million of airport funds.GRAEF provided mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and structural engineering as Key Partnerswell as architectural services for the project. In 2017, SRQ began assembling its team for the project. TheScott Hinrichs, vice president/principal at [process] started long before our growth really exploded, and I thinkGRAEF, notes that a key design challenge were all very grateful that we did, Bontrager notes.was navigating multiple active electrical roomsSCOTT HINRICHSThe Airport Authority began by selecting VTC as the primecentrally located within the project footprint. GRAEF strategically designer for the baggage handling system. It, in turn, hiredplanned the layout of new rooms, baggage conveyors, equipment, subconsultants for structural engineering, civil work, architecture,mechanical ductwork and structural elements to preserve this HVAC, fire protection, electrical systems and IT/security.critical infrastructure and prevent operational disruptions.Because the project involved significant expansion of theHinrichs emphasizes that the project team was committed to airports terminal structure, careful coordination between designersmaintaining SRQs reputation for passenger convenience. Ensuring and builders was vital. Archer Western Construction served asfull airport operations during construction was paramount to the the projects general contractor. Automatic Systems, Inc. (ASI),design, he says. Thorough phasing was essential to minimize procured, fabricated, installed and integrated the new baggagedisruptions for the airport, airlines and passengers. Working closely handling system. It also worked closely with Kasa Controls &with industry partners, including VTC and Archer Western, we Automation, which provided software controls, programming anddeveloped solutions that prioritized the passenger experience at commissioning services.every stage.VTCs design work spanned from late 2019 through earlyIf a ticket counter or a baggage handling area was not going to 2022, and required continuous collaboration with TSA and airlinebe accessible during construction, the project team used signage to stakeholders to ensure the system would satisfy their needs. direct passengers accordingly. We made sure there were alternate Archer Western began construction in February 2022,routes created ahead of time and clearly marked with signage to coordinating the selective demolition of the old baggage pods to maintain operations. Work was performed in 14 phases, each carefully sequenced to keep two-thirds of the existing baggage system running as new equipment was introduced. The phasing plan allowed flights to continue with minimal interruptions despite demolition and construction work. Hanson Professional Services handled the electrical design aspects of the project, ensuring that the new checked baggage inspection system and related improvements met the TSAs Planning Guidelines and Design Standards.Design Considerations and PlanningOne of the primary design challenges was combining three aging inline baggage systems into a single, smooth operation. Prioritizing [baggage handling system] rights-of-way is always a challenge in environments with existing infrastructure, says VTC Project Engineer Jimmy Dufinetz. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of existing conditions early in the design processJIMMY DUFINETZenhances efficiency during the detailed design phases, he notes.Designers initially hoped the new system could fit within the existing facility; however, it soon became evident that expansion was required to handle SRQs anticipated bag volume. VTC and its design subcontractors planned an addition of roughly 26,000 square feet to house larger Explosives Detection System machines, updated bag makeup areas and an expanded Checked Baggage Resolution Area. The expansion includes new steel structural framing, updated electrical systems and enhanced fire protection AirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2025'