46 PARKING September 2026 AirportImprovement.com ATL of 2026, but airport officials decided to accelerate construction after Atlanta was selected as a World Cup host city. “That became a major priority for us,” Taroco recalls. Speeding up the schedule required careful coordination, particularly regarding traffic in and around the structure. “Roadway mergers and managing roadway closures was the biggest challenge,” Galbreath shares. Cooperation among road and parking enforcement stakeholders helped minimize the impact of construction and maintain operations, he adds. The airport used multiple media platforms to keep travelers informed and updated about ongoing changes. Construction logistics is a strong suit at ATL, Taroco says. “We have a great ORAT [operational readiness, activation and transition] team that does a phenomenal job of coordinating with all stakeholders,” she notes. “It’s a continuous process that requires collaboration, flexibility and constant communication.” The ORAT team includes Department of Aviation staff members as well as personnel provided through a contract with Program Management Support Services. Taroco attributes the massive project’s success to meticulous planning, collaboration and adapting to changing needs and technologies. The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the accelerated schedule, she notes. Even with thorough modeling and planning early on, Taroco and the project team recognize that “real life is real life.” Often, it takes implementing a plan to really determine whether it’s working or what needs to change to make it work for passengers, she expains. Updated Tech Beyond adding much-needed parking capacity, the project integrated new technology to enhance operations, safety, security and customer convenience. An automated parking guidance system from INDECT USA serves both the deck and economy lot, helping drivers find available spaces more quickly. “Passengers want a seamless parking experience, and parking guidance helps them quickly find an available space instead of circling the deck in search of one,” Taroco comments. Reducing the time it takes passengers to park sets a more positive tone for their journey into the airport, through the security checkpoint and to their gates, Galbreath adds. The new system leverages technology to read vehicle license plates as vehicles enter, and then calculate parking fees and collect payment as they exit. New payment options for the contactless/ticketless system include GooglePay, ApplePay, the ParkATL app, and Peach Pass (transponders for local toll roads). Together, the new layers of technology provide travelers a hassle-free experience, Galbreath says. Upgrading old technology infrastructure during the project allows for installation of enhanced antenna systems for strong cellular and communications coverage and building and life safety systems. Taroco notes that installing new infrastructure with increased electrical requirements made it vital to coordinate closely with Georgia Power to ensure power demand and supply were in sync. Facility Features More than 2,000 Bosch cameras were installed throughout the new parking deck to monitor safety and security, as well as support operations. Enhanced lighting with motion detectors was also employed. A central courtyard serves dual purposes as a light well and an area of respite with benches on the ground level. The open-air, landscaped area creates a more open feel than is typical for garages, Galbreath says. The building’s exterior features a steel wire mesh material that wraps the north, south and west elevations, creating a distinctive, modern look. A 200-foot pedestrian bridge connects the parking deck to the South Domestic Terminal. Taroco notes that it was important for passenger satisfaction to provide a covered and enclosed structure for the one- to two- minute walk. Terrazzo flooring with a celestial theme design created by local artist Barry
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