The Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) at Pittsburgh International Airport will deliver a modern facility that reflects Pittsburgh’s character and can adapt to evolving transportation and technological needs. The modernization effort seeks to improve the passenger experience by integrating Landside and Airside operations into a single facility. Currently, departure and arrival processes are separate from ground transportation and baggage claim. The new terminal, slated for construction between Concourses C and D, is expected to open in 2025. The project is led by HDR + Gensler, in association with luis vidal + architects. Wade Trim designed site utilities for the project including water, fire suppression, sanitary sewer, and natural gas.

Wade Trim’s approach started with a comprehensive Basis of Design that included an in-depth analysis of the airport’s existing sewer flow. We worked with Sci-Tek Consultants to deploy eight flow monitors into the airport’s sanitary sewer system at critical nodes to measure sewer flows over a 3-month period. This data served as the foundation for development of sophisticated models used to evaluate the current pipe and pump station infrastructure and factor in the projected flows associated with the TMP. The data also informed a series of recommendations for pump station upgrades, pipeline enhancements, and ongoing maintenance protocols to optimize the performance and longevity of the utility infrastructure. In addition, utility construction plans were refined to minimize disruptions to airport operations, particularly the essential passenger tunnel that connects Landside and Airside operations.

For all utility designs, rigorous review and communications between Wade Trim and the TMP project team was critical to ensure alignment with other design and construction activities. Completed in 2023, the site utility improvements mark a significant step toward modernizing the Pittsburgh International Airport.