Dallas firm awarded $336 million contract for shuttle ‘core’ build at LAX

INTRA-AIRPORT TRAVEL: A conceptual rendering of Tom Bradley International Terminal's Terminal Core. The new walkway allows direct and easy transit from the APM station into the terminal

A building firm from Dallas, Texas has been awarded a $336.5 million contract to design and build three terminal ‘cores’ for the automated people mover (APM) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) last week authorised the granting of the five-year contract to Austin Commercial, a building firm already known at LAX for the Tom Bradley International Terminal expansion.

It is part of LAX’s owners’, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) and will see new structures erected at designated terminal locations so that passengers can move between the terminals and three APM stations that will be built. These new structures will also provide space that can be used for offices, baggage claims, restrooms, airport lounges, or other airport uses, as determined by LAWA and its partners. 

“I’m pleased to begin 2018 with a significant advancement of the LAMP program, one that will create a world-class experience when travelling to and from the airport, and within our terminals,” said LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “This project will ultimately connect our guests to our regional transportation system, and it will also create construction jobs, ensuring that the local workforce is part of building the future of LAX.” 

“With this award, we are moving forward in opening a new front door to LAX,” said Cynthia Guidry, Deputy Executive Director of LAWA’s Planning and Development Group. “By connecting LAX by an elevated train to Metro, parking, and other transportation options, we will usher in a new era of convenience and accessibility for all who visit LAX.” 

The Terminal Cores Project includes two new cores located between Terminals 5 & 6 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal, and one upgraded core at Terminal 7. These will compliment four additional cores, which are planned for construction by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, serving Terminals 4 & 5, 2 & 3, and 1, respectively.

Phase 1 of the Terminal Cores project, which includes preliminary design and associated tasks, is planned to commence in the first quarter of 2018. Phase 2, which includes the conclusion of design work and the start of construction, is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2019. The project is anticipated to conclude in 2021.