b'30 ATL PASSENGER TRANSPORT Taroco describes the new Ground Transportation Center as anBannis agrees, noting that the stakes were particularly high in extension of ATLs commitment to delivering world-class service and asuch a high-traffic area. With thousands of passengers moving manifestation of its pride in ensuring operational efficiency. The areathrough the domestic terminals daily, even minor disruptions was designed with customer experience in mind, she comments. could ripple into major delays, he remarks.An enhanced hold lot for commercial vehicles meters traffic flowTo overcome these challenges, collaboration among those to help reduce dwell time and congestion, thus improving serviceworking on the project was key. And there was much collaboration. reliability. Its a behind-the-scenes powerhouse that keeps thingsDuring design, there were multiple meetings held with the airport running smoothly, Bannis remarks. team, airport ground transportation and other stakeholders to The lot includes bright LED lighting, enhanced wayfindingreview the Ground Transportation Center layout and operations. signage powered by digital technology, additional pedestrianPlanning and coordination were emphasized early in the process.railings to increase passenger safety and improve traffic flow, andClark Construction, Atkinson Construction and Technique a series of canopies over waiting areas to shield customers fromcombined their skills in a joint venture on the construction side. weather. These canopies were architecturally styled to resembleABSolute, a joint venture of AtkinsRalis, Brindley Pieters & airplane wings, thereby providing a whimsical design element toAssociates and Southeastern Engineering Inc., handled the the space that complements the nearby SkyTrain, adds Bannis. various engineering aspects. (See Facts and Figures box on Page 27 for specific duties.) Burns & McDonnell oversaw special Meeting Travelers Needs systems as well as design and technology. Key Engineering was The main goal of the new Ground Transportation Center is toresponsible for electrical. Valancourt International LLC provided provide a safer, more efficient experience for airport customerssignage. And HKS/FC/S&W Joint Venture, with AtkinsRalis as a while also creating an inviting and welcoming environment. Thus,subcontractor, handled construction administration.travelers needs were a top priority before, during and after designTaroco praises the collaborative efforts of the airport, and construction. contractor and design teams. She also highlights the importance One of the greatest challenges was maintaining airportof strategies such as modifying Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) operations in the area while continuing construction progress,plans, working overnight shifts and adjusting work schedules recalls Taroco. This included preserving access to the terminalaround peak travel seasons. Particular care was taken to make and the existing shuttle area. sure access to the SkyTrain Station and nearby dog park were maintained during construction, she adds.The airport, contractor and design teams worked hand-in-hand to anticipate Santa Doesnt Break Into Cars. and overcome logistical hurdles, Bannis remarks. Maintenance of Traffic plans But We Know Who Does. were continuously refined, overnight shifts were scheduled to avoid peak hours, and construction timelines were carefully aligned That mystery figure between cars isnt holiday with travel seasons to minimize impact.magic; its caught on camera. Combine our He further points out that into this was parking guidance system with Parkincorporated a progressive design-build Surveillance to record in HD, day or project with a single design-build contractor night, and save for up to 90 days.managing multiple packages, including the Ground Transportation Center and Plane Train When things go sideways, Tunnel Extension.youll have the evidence. While the contractor led certain aspects of the project, key components like the Ground Transportation Center were designed by the AtkinsRalis team [under the strategic oversight of Frank Rucker, senior deputy general manager of Infrastructure Planning and Development], ensuring a balance of innovation, oversight and accountability, Bannis explains. The result? A complex project delivered with minimal disruption and a transformed traveler experience that reflects tkhsecurity.com/US the power of strategic planning and true partnership.November | December 2025AirportImprovement.com'