JFK International Airport Central Terminal Roadways, Utilities, & Ground Transportation Center — Queens, NY
Client
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Project Value 
$1.2 Billion | Parsons Contract: $130.9 Million
Market
Aviation, Transportation
Services
Alternative Project Delivery
We are the lead designer for the 1.24 billion JFK Central Terminal Area Roadways, Utilities, and Ground Transportation Center project. This work represents the largest project the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will deliver within the broader JFK International Airport Modernization program.
We are creating 17 lane miles of new roadway, seven bridges, and a five-story Ground Transportation Center with 1,950 parking spaces and 400 EV charging stations to improve mobility for nearly 62 million annual passengers.
Roadway Work That Improves Airport Circulation
We are simplifying the existing five loop roadway layout into a clear three loop system. This new configuration improves navigation, increases system capacity, and supports long term traffic growth. Our roadway scope also strengthens drainage and wayfinding systems, which helps enhance the customer experience.
Key elements include:
- At grade, infilled, and elevated roadways
- Intelligent transportation systems
- Lighting, signage, and intuitive wayfinding
- Storm collection and detention systems with coordinated offsite connections
Transforming One Of The Busiest Airports In The U.S.
“Home to one of the busiest airports, in the United States’ largest city, JFK International Airport is part of our nation’s economic engine,” said Mark Fialkowski, president, Mobility Solutions business unit for Parsons. “We are proud to build on our decades of experience in New York State, partnering with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to continue to move the industry forward and provide exceptional service to the region for decades to come.”
Read our original announcement of this historic project.
Structural Work Across A Dense Terminal Environment
We designed a 400-foot pedestrian bridge that connects the Ground Transportation Center to New Terminal One. Additionally, the remaining six bridges will be staged to preserve terminal access during construction. The structural work addresses dense utilities, complex geometry, multiple vertical clearances, and an abandoned baggage tunnel under the site.
-
- Aerial view of the final airport configuration
-
- New viaduct
-
- New parking garage
-
- New parking garage
-
- New parking garage
Ground Transportation Center Design
The new Ground Transportation Center will centralize mobility options and support a smoother passenger journey. It includes a multi level parking structure and an arrivals plaza that supports multiple modes. We incorporated several sustainable features to advance airport wide environmental goals.
The new GTC features:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Eco conscious timber facade
- Green roof
- Photovoltaic panels
Innovative Approach That Adds Value
We refined the roadway concept to improve performance and reduce costs. For example, we reduced the GTC footprint by consolidating it north of the Terminal 4 bypass bridge, thereby preventing a tunnel effect and improving circulation. We also eliminated two bridges by reusing existing structures, which supported our Envision Gold goal. These refinements strengthened our selection for the JFK International Airport Modernization program.
Project Completion
The project is expected to reach final completion by December 2027.
