22
October
2003
|
04:26 AM
America/Chicago

DFW International Airport’s Skylink Guideway And Stations Receive Award For Excellence In Construction

DFW, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., And KBR Recognized By Associated Builders & Contractors Under Mega Project Category And DFW, KBR, And Facility Construction Services, Inc. Recognized Under Interior Specialty Contractor Category

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (October 22, 2003) —The “SkyLink” Automated People Mover Guideway/Jet Bridge Modification Project has received the 2003 Award of Excellence from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of North Texas (Mega Project Over $100 Million category). Additionally, the “SkyLink” Automated People Mover Stations Project has received the 2003 Award of Excellence - Interior Specialty Contractor category. The awards ceremony was held Tuesday, October 21 during the 12th Annual ABC EIC Banquet at the Arlington Convention Center Grand Hall.

The SkyLink project was recognized for the relocation of the existing jet bridges and fueling facilities, and the construction of a 4.81-mile bidirectional, elevated, dual-bridge structure estimated at $226.5 million. This is the largest project of its kind in the world, traversing the perimeter of four active terminals and two future terminals. When completed, almost three million man-hours of labor will have been performed on the project, with a large amount of the construction occurring between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., seven days a week.

The station aspect of the project was recognized as well. Each of the four existing terminals has 2 stations that were constructed under the DFW APM Stations contract. Ground control towers were constructed at the Terminal E South Station and the Terminal A North Station.

“The program has involved a complicated construction plan requiring excellent communication among the Airport, Hensel Phelps, and our airlines. Interruptions make for headaches from an airline standpoint, and Hensel Phelps was able to conduct the construction project with minimal disruptions,” said Perfecto Solis, Assistant Vice President Project Development for DFW Airport.

The Guideway project began in 1998. Because of the events of 9/11, Hensel Phelps and DFW Airport were faced with drastic changes in safety regulation. The team was able to overcome obstacles through constant communication and teamwork. The safety performance onsite allowed DFW Airport to boast one of the nation’s top safety records during major construction.

“We’re very proud of this record, and this program was cited by OSHA for its outstanding performance,” says Solis.

The ABC Excellence in Construction Awards Program recognizes the quality and innovation of merit shop construction and honors all members of the construction team, including the contractor, owner, and the design team and project supervisor.

Guideway Submittal: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Owner Hensel Phelps Construction Co. - General Contractor KBR – Lead Architect Project Supervisors – Andy Bell, Perfecto Solis, Don Pool, John Dewar

Stations Submittal: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport – Owner Hensel Phelps Construction Co. - General Contractor KBR – Lead Architect Facility Construction Services, Inc. – Interior Specialty Contractor

Page 3 of 3 Hensel Phelps Construction Co. submitted the Guideway project through its ABC North Texas Chapter membership and Facility Construction Services, Inc. submitted the Stations Project through its membership. An independent panel of judges representing different facets of the construction industry judged the entries. No ABC member or staff of the North Texas chapter participated in the judging. The project was among 43 entries that were submitted and judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost.

The SkyLink project is part of DFW Airport’s $2.6 billion Capital Development Program, which includes a new International Terminal D, airfield additions, and roadway/infrastructure improvements. The program is scheduled for completion in 2005.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the "MediaSite" section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact Steve Roth with CDP Communications at 972 586 5743 or sroth@dfwairport.com, or Ken Capps, Vice President, Public Affairs- DFW at 972 574 8080 or kcapps@dfwairport.com.