The development of the new Salt Lake City International Airport is approaching its final stages, with a commitment from the team to complete the project in honor of their late leader, Michael Williams, who passed away in May. Williams’ vision and dedication continue to inspire his colleagues, most notably Brian Stetson, who succeeded him as the director of the $5.2 billion capital program. Stetson emphasized the team’s resolve, stating, ‘We said we have a commitment to finish this program, and we do it for Mike. We will deliver it the way he laid out the plan. It’s our rally cry: Deliver this thing.’
As the project nears completion, approximately $370 million in construction remains. The fourth and final phase is set to conclude in 2026, which will add 16 gates to the eastern section of Concourse B, bringing the total gate count to 94. The third phase is also coming to an end, with the final installations of jet bridges and paving currently in progress.
Crews have worked tirelessly to overcome numerous challenges, including an earthquake, the pandemic, and the complexities of building atop an ancient lakebed. Despite these obstacles, they remain focused on completing the last set of gates at the new airport venue.
The construction timeline spans over a dozen years, with the initial phase concluding in late 2020. It comprised the substantial 909,000-square-foot central terminal building along with the western sections of Concourse A and Concourse B. Phase 2 wrapped up in 2023 and involved the demolition of the original airport, which had been in operation for six decades, as well as finishing the east side of Concourse A and initiating work on the Central Tunnel.
Key components of the third phase included the completion of the underground Central Tunnel, a vital connection between the two concourses, along with the plaza for Concourse B, which is set to open in fall 2024. Project director Kevin Fauvell, who oversees the joint venture of Holder Construction and Big-D Construction, asserted, ‘We’re getting pretty close to the end of the program.’
The timeline continues to progress as five gates are preparing to open this October, accompanied by the remaining five gates of Phase 3. Fauvell further detailed that the entirety of the building will become operational in October of the following year, marking the last significant vertical construction, while paving will continue into early 2027.
As part of the airport’s growth strategy, ancillary projects are underway, including an expansion of baggage handling systems featuring seven miles of conveyor belts designed for oversized items such as skis. ‘We are adapting the system for anticipated growth,’ Stetson remarked about these important upgrades.
Plans are also in place for a second baggage screening area to improve efficiency, with the addition of a novel inspection station enhancing screening capabilities for oversized luggage. The completion of these enhancements is expected to coincide with the main terminal facilities by 2026.
This fall, travelers will be greeted by two new lounges: a 34,000-square-foot Delta Air Lines lounge and a 16,000-square-foot American Express lounge. The overall new airport project encompasses a spacious main terminal and two concourses. Gates will continue to be introduced in phases through 2026.
Phase 2 not only included terminal upgrades but also a rigorous six-month demolition project of the old airport. Remarkably, of the 280,000 tons of debris generated, 85% was recycled or repurposed on-site. Items such as concrete were ground for backfill, and materials like steel were sent to recycling facilities.
Given Salt Lake City’s geological conditions, the redevelopment has required skillful engineering to manage ground stabilization since the region lies over a seismically active lakebed. To combat the risk of liquefaction during potential earthquakes, crews drilled hundreds of 3-foot diameter holes, filled with stones to a depth of 45 feet.
The airport’s foundational structures employ a mix of driven composite and H-piles, reaching depths of between 65 to 75 feet. For instance, the extension of the south concourse is estimated to incorporate 5,800 tons of rebar and over 17,600 cubic yards of concrete, while the north concourse extension, associated with Phase 3, anticipates requiring 3,000 tons of steel and about 8,500 cubic yards of concrete. The upcoming Phase 4 will include 15,900 tons of steel and 79,500 cubic yards of concrete.
The construction defines modern airport infrastructure, built via cut-and-cover methods, most notably exemplified by the Central Tunnel, which spans over 106,000 square feet. This tunnel serves not just as an aesthetic feature but as a utility corridor for high-speed baggage systems, utility plant distribution and an automated people mover system.
Among its artistic features is the centerpiece sculpture known as ‘the River,’ designed by artist Gordon Huether. This installation consists of aluminum-framed fins with a fabric wrap, complemented by a curated playlist to enhance the ambiance of the tunnel space connecting Concourses A and B.
Over the past decade, Huether has created numerous artworks for the airport, which includes distinctive pieces like ‘Peaks,’ ‘Northern Light,’ ‘Canyon,’ and the aforementioned ‘River Tunnel’. Each piece is tailored to resonate with the airport’s unique environment and its visitors.
With a water table located only 7 feet below the surface, crews employed sheet piles and a dewatering system to facilitate working at depths of 65 feet. Furthermore, distinct tunnel cells are dedicated to efficient baggage transport systems, significant utility infrastructure, and provision for future automated transit options, expected to enhance passenger experiences throughout the terminal facilities.
The phased opening strategy has allowed for the previously temporary boarding processes to be reduced significantly. When the eastern extension of Concourse B is completed, the new airport will fully accommodate a total of 94 operational gates, marking a significant transition from its prior logistics. Notably, in 2024, the airport celebrated a record of over 28 million passengers, reflecting a 4% increase in traffic compared to 2023.
The integration of art and architecture has been a key focus in the airport’s development. Brian Cook, principal for the Salt Lake City office of HOK, the lead designer, described the collaborative approach: ‘We worked seamlessly to complement each other.’ This synergy enabled the structure and art installations to enhance the passenger experience holistically.
Remarkable installations highlight the airport features, such as ‘Canyon 2.0,’ ‘Northern Light,’ and ‘the Falls,’ which were designed in partnership with Huether. The extensive art collection spread throughout the airport was carefully curated to resonate with the regional culture and history.
Huether, assisting as the consulting artist, has played a critical role in the selection and placement of the over 135 art pieces within the terminal. For instance, the Whimsy Walls concept decorates 24 restroom entries, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.
One of the standout pieces, the Hoberman Arch, originally created for the 2002 Olympics, exemplifies the ingenuity required in large-scale installations. This mechanical curtain, at 72-feet wide and 36-feet high, had seen better days before it was painstakingly restored into its playful form.
A stained glass window, ‘You Are Here,’ previously showcased in the old international terminal, underwent a similar resurrection, requiring new components and a reinforced structure.
Backing Huether’s vision are collaborations with various professionals across multiple disciplines, including structural engineers and fabricators, allowing for the transformation of conceptual models into stunning tangible works of art.
Public interest in art within airport infrastructure underscores the growing recognition that airports should offer enriching environments for travelers. Stanis Smith, a consultant and former executive from Stantec, articulates this philosophy, asserting that a pleasant atmosphere directly contributes to reduced passenger stress and increased engagement with airport amenities.
Cities like Singapore are already exemplifying how attractions within airports encourage passengers to choose to navigate through their facilities, further driving competition among airports on a global scale. The $19 billion redevelopment initiative at JFK International Airport also reflects this trend, with a substantial investment in art aimed at enhancing the traveler experience within the airport environment.
With skilled artists and engineers working hand in hand, the integration of public art remains a pivotal aspect of modern airport design, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between infrastructure and creativity, ushering a new era for how airports cater to passengers and elevate their journeys.
image source from：enr
