...city light rail and commuter rail systems.

One section awaits the finish of Terminal D, where a white tensile-steel roof shaped in peaks and valleys is forming.

Conceptual terminal design reviews began in 2000 with HNTB, Kansas City, as managing design architect for 75 consultants. Locally based HKS Inc. is managing architect. “Each element has a different architect of record,” says Mark Skjervem, DFW Terminal D executive manager. Crews broke ground that summer, with 2 million cu yd of excavation. “That went through first quarter 2001, with design packages going out, piers put into the ground and buying steel,” he says. “We were erecting steel in the summer of ’01. Then 9/11 happens. That threw us a curve ball.”

PRIME ELEMENTS New people mover system (top) awaits linkage to new Terminal D (above).

Consequently, the team discussed new design parameters for the terminal shell and proximity of the new parking garage. “We were hoping it would be minimal. It was extremely significant,” Skjervem recalls. “Our structural design team and a blast consultant worked hand-in-hand with the Federal Aviation Administration to mitigate these issues.”

Project officials then had to work with the Transportation Security Administration. “We had new players to deal with, while keeping the construction schedule on track,” says Skjervem. The schedule was pushed back from a January 2005 opening to April 2005 and $25 million added in design changes. After hardening was required for the terminal core, some 9,000 tons of extra steel was needed to strengthen roof trusses.

The terminal is founded on drilled piers in layers of clays and a flaky shale 20 ft deep. Every truckload of excavation had to be tested for jet fuel and other contaminants. C-shaped concession “villages” bookend the terminal, and an enclosed elevated passage for international travelers leads them to customs. After clearing customs, three banks of elevators link to a new 300-room hotel.

Outside the terminal, a 300-ft pedestrian bridge connects to an 81,000-space, 3-million-sq-ft garage equipped with “smart” technology that directs customers to available parking. “It’s a ‘parking space within five minutes’ concept,” says Shaun Pratt, DFW senior project manager for the $113-million garage. Each floor has a terrazzo design with a specific flower or color. A 300 x 180-ft canopied area will feature artistic exhibits —part of the $6-million art budget allotted for the capital program. Other elements will include circular floor murals indicating various check-in counters for customers.

(Photos courtesy of DFW)