United Airlines’ New Terminal C North at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, was a $260M program grouped into two projects. The terminal building ($175M construction value) was a Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) delivery built by Manhattan Construction Company and managed by Faithful + Gould/JLA Construction Solutions on behalf of United Airlines. VRX, Inc. was the prime program manager on the $85M ramp, fueling and utilities project, also built by Manhattan. The Houston Airport System (HAS) funded this project.
The VRX project team ensured that fueling operations remained uninterrupted throughout the project’s duration, overcoming unique schedule challenges to do so. The project team also identified issues with pavement placement early in the project – immediately correcting the issue to ensure quality pavement placement. Inspectors identified punch list items to address on the ramp concrete throughout the project duration rather until waiting until the end of the project. This meant the contractor continually addressed issues, making the final inspection far more successful. Finally, the project team went above and beyond to achieve all client needs and expectations. For example, in December 2015, the team worked to complete certain New C North program items earlier than shown in the baseline schedule to enable United Airlines’ annual Fantasy Flight. During this annual charitable event, United takes ill children on a mock flight to the “North Pole,” where Santa is waiting at the gate to give them gifts.
The Ramp, Fueling, and Utilities Project entailed:
• Removal and replacement of 24 acres of 17.5-in concrete apron paving surrounding the new concourse including sections of taxiway
• Removal, relocation and replacement of the hydrant fueling system. VRX managed the installation of a temporary fuel bypass system as an interim measure to ensure all fuel lines remained active during construction
• Removal and replacement of aircraft approach lighting and signage
• Provided all site utilities
The New Terminal C North Program at IAH has won several awards: Silver Medal, 2018 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Awards; CMAA North Texas 2017 Project Achievement Award in the “Transportation Greater Than $100M” Category; 2017 ENR Regional Best Project Award.