b'Safety was another challenge, given theStuckey, from SRQ, agrees about the proximity of construction to live baggageimportance of early planning. Getting system operations. To ensure the safetygrants in line with TSA takes years, so of both airline and airport employees, wedont wait, he advises. This didnt just created designated safe walkways thathappen overnight. We were planning this provided clear, protected paths free frominline project for years.construction activity, where employeesBontrager, also from SRQ, emphasizes were not required to wear personalthe value of hiring experienced consultants Reliableprotective equipment, Martucci explains. and contractors. It definitely makes a One benefit of expanding immediatelydifference, he says. solutions foradjacent to the active, existing bag systemThorough field surveys during design was that employees could personally see your airportconstruction progress every day. I thinkand at the start of construction are vital, especially in older buildings where this visibility helped keep tensions low project. and morale high because it reinforced thatoutdated infrastructure can pose challenges, notes VTCs Dufinetz. He also there was light at the end of the tunnel,suggests contacting permitting authorities Martucci remarks. early to clarify requirements for timing, Despite the complexity of replacingcosts and documentation. Maintenance SRQs baggage handling systemaccess and proper rigging for Explosives while maintaining active operation, theDetection System components should be construction project was managedaddressed before bidding, and a plan for exceptionally well, says Bontrager. Archerspare parts is needed, he adds. Discuss Western helped create a successfuland agree on solutions for bags that are transition by working closely with airlinesnot read by the automatic tag readers with and stakeholders to minimize disruptions,all airline and airport stakeholders, he he adds. The contractors proactiveconcludes.approach included regular meetings,Martucci, from Archer Western, operational adjustments and outreachhighlights early procurement of TSA efforts to build strong relationships withscanning equipment and baggage airline staff. They really went beyond whathandling components as another they needed to do to make everythingimportant consideration because run smooth, and its really been a greatmanufacturing and delivery delays can project, Bontrager comments. torpedo a project schedule. We worked very closely with TSA, ensuring they were Lessons Learnedfully informed of our project schedule and SRQs experience upgrading its baggageany adjustments, she explains. More handling system provides several importantthan a year in advance, Archer Western takeaways for other airports consideringprovided a firm date when the Explosives similar projects.Detection System machines would be Jump, from Automatic Systems,required. Fortunately, the machines arrived Inc., suggests holding weekly or evenon schedule, which was pivotal in keeping daily meetings on site to ensure clearthe project on track. You can rely on EJcommunication among all parties and Future-proofing is an additional strategy to provide reliablefacilitate installation. Some vendors thatSRQ adopted from the project outset. we use are not close to the jobsite, so solutions for yourshipping delays due to weather or otherThe new system includes designated areas where a fourth Explosives Detection next airport project. things out of our control can affect theSystem machine could be installed if job, she says. The overcommunicationbag volumes exceed current projections. of these challenges upfront with the teamSimilarly, the new layout has enough is the way we combatted this to the bestflexibility to accommodate extended of our ability. She also suggests earlyticket counters or additional sort piers. By engagement with the design team, TSAconsidering these expansion scenarios Learn more at ejco.com and equipment manufacturers.now, SRQ avoids the need for expensive or call 800 626 4653 retrofits in the future. Made in the USAMarch | April 2025AirportImprovement.com'