Monday, August 5, 2024 at 12:40 PM - For Immediate Release
Sacramento International Airport Breaks Ground on New Pedestrian Walkway
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) broke ground for its new Pedestrian Walkway, a key project in the SMForward program. The Pedestrian Walkway will connect Terminal B to Concourse B via a skybridge with moving sidewalks, escalators, and elevators along a panoramic corridor. The walkway project is vital to supporting passenger growth well into the future.
The $140 million walkway will enhance passenger convenience and connectivity, offering travelers the ability to walk or ride the existing Automated People Mover. The project will feature three major pieces of art that represent a $2.5 million investment in public art.
“This is the first project of our $1.3 billion SMForward program and the culmination of years of planning and creativity,” said Cindy Nichol, Director Sacramento County Department of Airports. “By transforming how people experience travel, we’re enhancing our community’s connection to the region and the world, boosting our economy and improving our quality of life.”
The project is funded by $33 million in grant funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL, as well as a low-interest federal loan through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and airport revenue bonds. Zero local tax dollars will be used to fund this important project.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Sacramento County,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06). “I am proud to have helped secure crucial grant funding to modernize Sacramento International Airport and help flyers get to their destinations safely and more efficiently. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure this landmark law continues to rebuild and strengthen our region’s infrastructure.”
The Airport has been breaking passenger records month after month, ending fiscal year 2024 with 13.2 million passengers served.
"With passenger numbers on track to break records again this year, this project is essential to meeting the demands of today and tomorrow,” said Patrick Kennedy, Sacramento County Supervisor and Chair. “By expanding our Airport's capacity and enhancing the passenger journey, Sacramento County’s Department of Airports is ensuring our region remains a top choice for travelers and businesses alike.”
“This walkway, with two sky bridges and a hub, is built with the future in mind,” said Phil Serna, Sacramento County Supervisor. “They will provide SMF’s passengers a flexible portal that can connect to a future concourse to meet our growing region’s need for air travel for decades to come.”
Following a competitive selection process, Balfour Beatty was chosen to serve as the project’s Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), a first for a major project in Sacramento County.
“Balfour Beatty is truly honored to be the selected building partner on the Pedestrian Walkway,” said Kyle Frandsen, Vice President of Balfour Beatty. “The Sacramento International Airport is our local airport, and we take great pride in this project – taking it to new levels of awesome.”
The (CMAR) delivery method is beneficial because it allows for early collaboration between the Department, the project designer, and the construction manager, leading to better project design and cost control. The project will be delivered through multiple progressive guaranteed maximum price (PGMP) which reduce financial risk for the Department. CMAR delivery method enhances project quality and efficiency through integrated project design and delivery and proactive risk management.
The Pedestrian Walkway is just the first step in a $1.3 billion plan to leverage transformative partnerships, lead the way in creative financing solutions, and deliver the future of SMF. Throughout the program’s projected duration, 800 jobs will be created in the first four years alone.
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The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the County’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field.
Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group with 26,000 employees driving the delivery of powerful new solutions, shaping thinking, creating skylines and inspiring a new generation of talent to be the change-makers of tomorrow.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 155 daily nonstop flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 36 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Department of Airports is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit sacramento.aero.