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Paving the Future of Pittsburgh Transportation

by Sheena Carroll

The Greater Pittsburgh Region has changed significantly since the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) opened in 1992. PIT was not built as an origin-and-destination airport, being instead built with connecting passengers in mind; in 2001, up to 80% of its traffic were passengers focused on running from one gate to another on the way to their destination. More than 20 years later, PIT is now the starting or ending point for approximately 98% of passengers, a massive shift that the airport’s original design did not reflect nor accommodate. 

The Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) is an ambitious, multi-year  project to transform and modernize PIT. TMP updates include increased and enhanced parking, simplified navigation and check-in process, streamlined security checkpoints, more efficient baggage handling, and much more.

This transformation project generated thousands of jobs, with more than 90% of the labor and supplies being handled by Western Pennsylvania businesses. Meet just a few of the regional companies involved in the Terminal Modernization Program, paving (sometimes, literally) the way for the future of Pittsburgh transportation.

Building Bridges with Fay

S&B’s subsidiary, Fay, is orchestrating the pivotal roads and bridges package of TMP. This ambitious project encompasses approximately four miles of roadway, connecting the crucial Interstate 376 to the new terminal building through newly designed ramps and bridges.

At the heart of this project is a 1,300-foot dual-level bridge, which incorporates three distinct levels—dedicated to departures, arrivals and ground transportation for rideshares, taxis and buses. Its substructure, supported by 10 sets of piers, houses 68 tub girders sourced over 1,000 miles away from a specialty supplier in Tampa. The bridge alone comprises an astonishing 8,000,000 pounds of structural steel. Following the delivery of the tubular girders in Winter 2022, construction kicked off in earnest, culminating in its completion in October 2023.

In addition to the bridge, the broader project includes the construction of a culvert for Ramp E-AD, 12 retaining walls, and 17,000 linear feet of drainage. These components come together with utilities, traffic control systems, and comprehensive earthwork efforts to form an integrated infrastructure solution.

One significant challenge during the process was the dual-level bridge construction - particularly its proximity to the new terminal. As Fay worked on the bridge, the simultaneous erection of the terminal’s façade canopy required careful orchestration to avoid interference. Fay mitigated disruption by working off shifts in sync with other contractors. When others worked during the day, Fay’s operations transitioned to the night and vice versa to maintain fluid, uninterrupted progress. With most terminal entryways located on the bridge, Fay also engineered alternative access points to ensure that contractors could reach their designated zones without interfering with ongoing construction. Proactive communication played an indispensable role, with project stakeholders engaging in daily and weekly planning sessions to synchronize activities.

S&B stands at the forefront of technological integration, employing cutting-edge solutions to optimize  complex operations. For this project, drones have emerged as indispensable tools, streamlining surveying. By capturing more 

than 2,500 photos, they created 2D and 3D maps that overlay with design plans, detailing excavation levels and utility locations. Equipped with Ground Control Points (GCPs), the drones yielded high mapping accuracy.

Fay’s excavators and dozers are equipped with Trimble GPS technology, ensuring precision by guiding equipment to exact specifications, reducing the risk of over-digging, and enhancing safety. By seamlessly blending advanced CAD models into machinery, projects adhere closely to specified grading and excavation parameters.

As PIT continues its transformation, the underlying network of roads and bridges signifies a harmonious fusion of innovation, engineering and logistics.

Innovative IT Infrastructure from Solutions4Networks

Also instrumental to TMP is the contribution of Solutions4Networks, a company that plays a critical role in design, infrastructure planning, network security and project management. These efforts are foundational in creating a secure framework that enables PIT to continue advancing well into the future.

When considering connectivity within an airport, the breadth of its role is extensive. Solutions4Networks has been pivotal in integrating a multitude of functions and technologies to enhance airport operations. This includes systems for flight, baggage, and gate information displays, baggage handling from check to claim, and security systems, like video surveillance and door access controls. Additionally, the company supports communication systems such as IP phones, cellular networks, radios, guest Wi-Fi, and public address systems, alongside common-use kiosks and airline check-in systems. Digital signage for navigation and advertisements, smart building systems for HVAC and lighting, and services for retailers and corporate workstations also rely on the infrastructure facilitated by Solutions4Networks.

The complexity of the new terminal’s IT infrastructure necessitates strong collaboration and communication. The company works closely with the PIT IT team, extending strategic guidance and coordinating efforts among various technology integrators and IT teams. Solutions4Networks is unifying all by fostering relationships with airlines, business operations, industrial system operators and external consultants.

As a woman-owned, DBE, and WBENC-certified company, Solutions4Networks prides itself on its values and diversity initiatives. These principles have shaped its approach to the projects at Pittsburgh International Airport. The company attributes its contracting success not only to its proven capability to deliver but also to the strength of its extraordinary team. 

Solutions4Networks founder and CEO Michele McGough considers the presence of numerous local, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and women-owned businesses in the Terminal Modernization Program as highly commendable and reflective of the airport’s commitment to inclusivity.

Airports are pivotal as both the entry points to cities and as innovation hubs. Moving into the future, Solutions4Networks envisions growth in several key areas, including renewable energy usage, sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing operational costs, and smart facility management. Moreover, as technology systems evolve, the company foresees the passenger experience  to improve significantly. The application of AI and data analytics promises to revolutionize airport operations, optimizing revenue streams from concessions, duty-free shops, and other non-aeronautical sources. With enhanced demand forecasting, pricing strategies, and personalized offerings, airports stand on the verge of transformative advancements, ensuring lasting benefits for both passengers and stakeholders.

Reshaping Baggage Handling with Journey Robotics

Journey Robotics is leading a new era in airport automation, leveraging its extensive experience in robotics to revolutionize the aviation industry’s baggage handling process. Founded by Reeg Allen and former colleagues from RE2 Robotics, the company was born out of a strategic pivot following Sarcos’ decision to halt robotic hardware production in 2024. This move inspired the team to focus on developing innovative solutions that enhance both worker safety and passenger experience in the aviation sector.

With more than  50 years of combined expertise in automating labor-intensive tasks beyond the factory floor, Journey Robotics targets one of the most challenging aspects of airport operations—baggage handling. The company aims to set a new standard in this domain, offering solutions that not only increase efficiency but also address the prevalent issues of labor shortages.

Currently, Journey Robotics is implementing their breakthrough technology at Pittsburgh International Airport through the xBridge program. This initiative offers a unique platform for aviation technology companies to test their solutions in a live airport environment, providing a valuable opportunity for data collection and system refinement. By participating in the xBridge program, Journey Robotics plans to optimize its baggage handling system for speed and accuracy and ultimately demonstrate its practical advantages in a real-world setting.

As global travel surged in 2024 with passenger traffic reaching approximately 10 billion, the pressing need for efficient baggage handling solutions became clear. Airports and airlines face significant challenges as labor shortages continue while passenger numbers grow, demanding innovative approaches to manage baggage processing. Journey Robotics’ system is specifically designed to address these challenges by enhancing the consistency, reliability and speed of baggage handling.

The technology behind Journey Robotics not only augments the existing workforce but also aims to improve worker safety by alleviating the physical demands of repetitive tasks. This integration is crucial as it seeks to sustain operations amidst labor shortages and boost overall effectiveness, providing a robust solution to current industry pain points.

Journey Robotics’ system also promises to enhance the passenger experience by minimizing baggage waiting times upon arrival. In an era where travelers expect efficient service, reducing delays caused by weather disruptions, peak travel times, and workforce constraints is vital. Additionally, the robotic solution is expected to decrease incidents of misplaced, lost or damaged bags, further contributing to customer satisfaction.

Looking ahead, Journey Robotics anticipates significant growth in airport automation across all facets of operations. Its vision includes autonomous ramp operations and automation of gate services such as refueling, lavatory servicing, water provision, ground power, and de-icing. Furthermore, the company foresees advancements in the check-in and baggage checking processes, aimed at reducing airport congestion and streamlining the passenger journey from curb to gate.

As automation expands its reach in airports worldwide, Journey Robotics stands ready, crafting a future where travel is more efficient and less burdensome.