b'The recent expansion and modernization project was one of the airports most comprehensive initiatives ever. TERMINALSMYR 39PHOTO: GRESHAM SMITHLessons LearnedWhats Next As MYR reflects on the completion of its concourse expansionWith the concourse expansion complete, MYR is already moving and terminal renovations, project partners point to early alignment,forward with additional phases of its long-term capital improvement disciplined planning and strong collaboration as key drivers behindprogram.its success. From the airports perspective, the project deliveryThe next project on the horizon is to expand the security method proved critical. Olmstead emphasizes its value in managingscreening checkpoint from six lanes to nine and add more queue complexity and maintaining momentum. Utilizing a constructionspace. The original terminal design anticipated the need to manager at riskwas just very successful for us, she says. Earlyincrease capacity and throughput; continued growth in passenger contractor involvement helped set realistic expectations aroundvolume made now the time.cost, phasing and constructability, adds Olmstead.Beyond the terminal, MYR is embarking on a multi-phase runway Christoffersen, from JE Dunn Construction, encouragesreconstruction program that will be one of its most significant engaging contractors as soon as possible. The earlier that weinfrastructure investments ever. Phase One begins early this year can act as a team and provide input on design and schedule, theand will be a two-year project. Phases Two and Three are each more were able to influence when projects will open and the totalexpected to last six to eight months. The phased approach is cost of the project, he remarks, adding that delayed engagementdesigned to maintain airfield operations during construction.can limit flexibility later in the process.These and other efforts are part of MYRs larger effort to Accentures Krautsack correlates early alignment andmodernize its facilities and accommodate sustained traffic growth scope discipline. One of the biggest lessons is the value ofwhile remaining fiscally responsible to the community it serves. As establishing a clearly defined scope before any major decisions orpassenger demand continues to evolve, airport leadership says the procurement activities begin, she says. Alignment across airportupcoming projects are essential to maintaining operational resilience, leadership, county partners, contractors and program managerssupporting airline partners and delivering a consistent, high-quality helped prevent rework and scope creep, Krautsack explains. passenger experience well into the future. Kolman, from Arora Engineers, also highlights the value of early involvement. Integration of special systems engineering in the early design process, proactive capacity analysis, planning for redundancy and scalability, and careful coordination within active terminal environments are key takeaways from this project, he summarizes.Airports should think holistically about any expansion projectrather than limiting improvements to new construction alone, adds Sucher, from Gresham Smith. Use expansion as a catalyst to elevate the wholePlanningDELTA AIRPORT Engineeringterminal, Sucher advises, pointing to MYRs decisionCONSULTANTS, INC. Environmentalto invest in flooring, restrooms, seating and wayfindingIndustry Analysiswww.deltaairport.com Program Managementfor existing spaces.Construction AdministrationBusiness & Financial PlanningAirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2026'