Multi-Billion Dollar Project Expected To Be Complete In 12 To 15 Years

Philadelphia city officials have picked a three company joint venture to plan and manage construction of a major expansion project at PHL. Denver-based engineering and construction firm CH2M Hill will be the lead company, and will work with Delon Hampton & Assoc. and CMTS Inc.

The city pegs the cost of the project at $6.5 billion and will take 12 to 15 years to complete. The scope of the project includes a new runway and extensions of the two existing runways, and expanded terminal complex, construction of a passenger train, relocation of a freight handling facility and new parking and car rental facilities.

Philly.com reports that airlines currently offering service to the airport argue that their cost will be closer to $10.5 billion and will do nothing to ease congestion or increase capacity. According to them the problem is crowded skies over the northeast and not on the ground.

Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler said "We have outstanding issues with the airlines, but we’re continuing to negotiate, and it’s in everybody’s interest to get to ‘yes’." Airport chief executive officer Mark Gale said the project-management office will help develop financial numbers that both the airlines and airport officials can trust.  The airlines and airport managers have sounded more conciliatory since a face-to-face meeting in March between Mayor Nutter and US Airways chief executive Doug Parker. Parker flew to Philadelphia to meet with Nutter amid public disagreement between the airport and its US Airways about the need for the new runway along the Delaware River.

FMI: www.phila.gov