Airport renovation lauded by public works professionals

CHS terminal redevelopment honored by statewide public works professionals Charleston International Airport’s terminal redevelopment, which wrapped in late 2016, has been honored by the South Carolina Chapter of the American Public Works Association as its 2017 Public Works Project of the Year.

The award was presented during the chapter’s state conference in July. It recognizes outstanding achievements in transportation public works projects.

Overall, the APWA awards program promotes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliances between managing agencies, consultants, architects, engineers and contractors who together complete public works projects.

Charleston International Airport underwent a complete transformation inside and out between 2012 and 2016, without disruptions to air travel. The project turned the 30+-year-old airport into a modern, sophisticated hub of air travel for its 3.7 million passengers and gave the Charleston region an airport fitting for a vibrant, growing community. The project wrapped in October 2016 with a formal rededication.

The airline boarding areas underwent complete renovation to include new seating, restrooms and improved amenities such as individual power outlets, more shopping and dining options and improved signage. On Concourse B, five new gates were added (for a total of 15 airport wide) and 15 new jet bridges were installed across both airport concourses.

A new Central Energy Plant was built to provide highly efficient and remotely manageable environmental systems. The program also included new inbound and outbound baggage handling systems.