As one of the 10 busiest airports in the U.S., Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is experiencing tremendous growth, and has recently embarked on the next phase of its overall development program, Destination CLT. The program includes several major airfield improvement projects to continue to provide adequate and efficient airfield operations for CLT’s customers.

WSP will provide engineering design services for the new Deicing Pad and South Crossfield Taxiway. The firm is leading the project delivery team and managing the design delivery of multiple discipline teams, including airfield, roadway, major utilities and bridge/structural.

Deicing operations are currently conducted on Runway 5/23, as well as the South Cargo Ramp. The new deicing apron will accommodate up to five Airplane Design Group (ADG) V aircraft and its associated infrastructure.

“Relocating the deicing operations to the new deicing pad will allow CLT to continue the airfield improvements and terminal expansions; advancing the Destination CLT program,” said Brian Fuerst, WSP project executive.

The new 4,000-foot-long South Crossfield Taxiway will connect the central and east side of the airfield, and includes a taxiway bridge that will allow aircraft to taxi over Yorkmont Road. The bridge and taxiways will be designed for ADG V aircraft, which includes the Airbus A330.

The South Crossfield Taxiway will provide efficient taxi flow for deicing aircraft to the Runway 36R and Runway 36C ends. The project will also include a 2,800-foot southern extension of Taxiway F, connecting the air carrier ramp to the new Deicing Pad and provide dual ADG V taxiway capability to Runway 36C.

“In north flow operations, the South Crossfield Taxiway will allow aircraft exiting the new deicing pad to utilize Runway 36R and Runway 36C for departures,” Fuerst said.

Construction will occur in multiple phases, with completion targeted for 2022.

The majority of the construction will be done outside of the air operations area (AOA), eliminating the impact to CLT operations. When airfield connections are necessary within the AOA, the design documents will provide phasing and construction sequencing to minimize operational impacts.

“The WSP team is extremely excited and proud to partner with CLT for this major airfield project,” Fuerst said. “We look forward to delivering this project successfully and supporting the future projects in the Destination CLT program.”

WSP provides a full range of planning, program management, design and construction management services for airports, including terminal facilities, airfield development and landside infrastructure. The firm serves numerous airports across the U.S. Key projects include the new Central Terminal B, which will provide world-class facilities for passengers and airlines at LaGuardia Airport; program management for the $6 billion ATLNext program at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; and construction management of the $4.5 billion O’Hare Modernization Program that will reconfigure the airfield to increase service capacity.

About WSP USA

WSP USA, formerly WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, is the U.S. operating company of one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms—WSP. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment sectors. With more than 7,000 people in 100 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com