Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International ATLNext Program

Serving over 100 million passengers per year, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continues to be the world’s busiest airport. To maintain that level activity and in response to the rapidly changing improvements to the aviation industry, the AtlNext capital improvement program seeks operational efficiencies and an enhanced customer experience for travelers today and into the future. The $11.6B program comprises both landside and airside projects including terminal and airside facility renewal and replacement and modernization projects to meet increasing demand.

WSP is providing program/project management support, quality management, safety oversight, project controls, contract administration, document control, invoice compliance, constructability reviews and supplier diversity outreach, monitoring and reporting.

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While keeping the facility operational, the $1.4 billion construction of Concourse D is the most complex project to date at Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport.

Innovation drives concourse D expansion

The expansion of Concourse D stands out as a landmark achievement, as the first project of its scale in Atlanta and the surrounding region to embrace multiple construction methods. This $1.4 billion program to expand the concourse while remaining fully operational combined a traditional stick build for the foundation and large scale modular construction for the concourse expansion structures. A total of 19 modules will be built and moved over one mile and across two runways overnight to grow the concourse from 60 to 99 feet wide and extend the length by 288 feet. Coordination of the 1am-4am move timeframe is synchronized with the control tower. Working on the modules and foundations simultaneously, drastically reduced the project schedule.

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Historic placement of the first of 19 modules that will expand the concourse and improve the passenger experience in Concourse D.

Other key program elements

Terminal Modernization: The terminal architecture was recently modernized with two new arched roadway canopies and an internal 15,000-square-foot atrium surrounded by expansive opaque glass panels. A circular skylight delivers natural light and sustainable greenery to the existing terminal. The terminal expansion includes the addition of five domestic gates to Concourse T. WSP works with the designer and contractors to oversee the construction of the terminal while maintaining operations.

Parking: To address parking challenges, WSP oversaw the construction of a new off-site parking deck near the Georgia International Convention Center, which is connected by the SkyTrain. The next phase of the parking development plan is to rebuild the existing North and South domestic terminal parking structures.

Roadways/Walkways: The roadway and pedestrian walkway network will be renovated to improve circulation and provide for better wayfinding.

Air Cargo: As one of the top 20 airports globally in cargo tonnage, we are helping ATL expand cargo space.

Airfield: This program aspect includes a new sixth runway, taxiway realignment, taxiway pavement replacement, airfield shoulder replacement and ground lighting replacement.

Modernization of Concourse E: Involves an extension of the underground Automated People Mover, as well as improvements to the domestic terminal complex, parking decks, baggage handling systems, end-around taxiways and other support facilities.

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WSP recently joined airport, city and federal leaders, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, for the start of a long-awaited expansion of Concourse D at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.