Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major gateway for international passengers and cargo. As part of a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program, Miami–Dade County undertook significant improvements at MIA that included a new South Terminal expansion program consisting of four major projects—including a new terminal building and a new concourse. Dramatic architectural features of the terminal and the concourse were created to showcase Miami’s position as the “gateway to the Americas.”

Parsons, in joint venture with Odebrecht Construction, Inc., was the construction manager at-risk for these new and renovated aviation facilities for the Miami–Dade Aviation Department. Parsons–Odebrecht Joint Venture oversaw seven major subcontractors within a structure that managed costs and drove completion—while responding to and incorporating schedule and cost changes resulting from external factors such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and busy hurricane seasons.

Concourse J includes a 400-Hz, preconditioned air central plant for its 15 gates

The MIA South Terminal project included the following major construction:

Ticketing lobby during construction of South Terminal

New Ticketing lobby in completed South Terminal

• New five-story terminal building with baggage areas, ticketing lobbies, airline offices, concessions, and a new federal inspection service facility and lounges
• Concourse J, which is a new 15-gate, 360,000-ft² concourse
• Aprons and taxiways supporting Concourses H and J, including installation of a hydrant fuel piping system
• Extensive utility and pavement improvements to Concourses H and J and surrounding areas
• Modifications to Concourse H, including the addition of two new infill building structures within the existing building voids, conversion of existing international gates to “swing” international/domestic gates, and reconfiguration of the first floor

In addition to managing the major subcontractors, Parsons oversaw numerous small local subcontractors. As part of a specifically planned program, all work on Concourse H was set aside for local small businesses. This partnership with the Miami–Dade Aviation Department and county officials fostered community growth while delivering the modifications within budget.

Jervis Webb baggage-handling conveyer integration with CTX scanners

Early in the project, meeting the construction schedule became a challenge when security guidelines changed dramatically following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Coming only 1 month after the notice to proceed, 9/11 triggered new requirements that ultimately mandated redesigning the security systems, baggage systems, and customs systems.

Another major design change incorporated a new fiber-optics-based premise distribution system throughout the construction. This information technology system increased the operational effectiveness of many of the airport’s systems such as the flight information display system, common-use terminal equipment system linking airport check-in stations with departure control systems, and the voice and security systems. Working with the Miami–Dade Aviation Department and the various trade contractors, we resequenced the work schedules to mitigate the impact.

The South Terminal opened for its inaugural flight on August 29, 2007. Based on Parsons’ effective cost and schedule performance on the South Terminal, Parsons–Odebrecht Joint Venture was invited to bid on the North Terminal and was awarded that contract in 2005. The North Terminal is scheduled to open in 2011.

Concourse J’s sleek design mimics an airplane wing

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