b'20 IAHTERMINALSPhased funding helped manage cash PHOTO: HOUSTON AIRPORTSflow and reduce budget pressure; regular communication and leveraging visual tools were critical to maintaining alignment with stakeholders, Cooper adds. To ensure a smooth launch of the new Terminal E Ticketing Lobby, Houston Airports conducted a trial run with volunteers. We opened it in February, after the holiday rush but before the spring break surge, so we could get our feet wet, says Szczesniak. This allowed staff to adjust operations and address any transition issues during an off-peak travel time. Another key priority for Houston Airports was having elevators and escalators fully operational and tested well in advance of opening. Having these systems running consistently before passenger use helps build confidence in their reliability and minimizes potential disruptions, explains Szczesniak. In retrospect, Cooper cites flexibility as an essential element of the project. Working in an active airport environment requires adaptability to unexpected changes or challenges, he remarks. Having a team that is responsive and ready to adjust plans in real-time can make a significant difference in The new Departures curb for Terminal E has a total of 11 lanes. maintaining timelines and ensuring the project meets all expectations.Because the project followed awere positioned extremely well because construction manager-at-risk approach,of the relationships and trust that wasWhats Next Hensel Phelps was engaged early in theformed ahead of time, Mechlem says.In the coming months, international airlines process and worked closely with theWe were able to essentially not skip anow operating in the Terminal D Ticketing designers to align goals, share ideas andbeat, still hit all of our design schedulesLobby will begin transitioning to the solve challenges. Mechlem notes that thisand deliverables, still collaborate in a veryrecently expanded Terminal E. Elsewhere led to design and construction efficienciesclose manner. When in-person workat IAH, a complete rebuild of Terminal B that might not have happened using acould resume, the team returned to itsis underway in partnership with United more siloed approach. Collaboration collaborative workspace on site. Airlines. This project will replace the original having an open mind to what other parties1969-era circular flight stations with a are facingreally led to some new ideas,Insights Gained dual-pier facility featuring 22 gates and the he remarks. If you just embrace that, ICooper notes that maintaining safe andcarriers largest club lounge. The terminals think you end up seeing a great design,compliant egress throughout constructionprocessing area will also undergo a full great product and great innovation.was among the usual challenges ofrenovation and expansion.Early coordination with Hensel Phelpsexpanding and renovating an operatingOther major projects in the works within about construction phasing allowedairport, but it demanded extra attentionthe Houston Airport System include a HOK and Page to adapt their designswhen gaps in the initial phasing planseven-gate expansion at William P. Hobby to on-the-ground realities. In addition,required real-time adjustments.Airport (HOU), along with planning for when the COVID-19 pandemic forcedTo facilitate timely closeouts of variousa major runway reconstruction project. teams into remote work, the foundationphased stages, the team emphasizedAt Ellington Airport (EFD), development of trust and collaboration already in placethorough documentation, scheduledcontinues to expand the Houston helped ease the transition. I think weinspections and clear punch lists.Spaceport. May | June 2025AirportImprovement.com'