Urban was proud to attend the ribbon cutting of Bradley Airport’s new Ground Transportation Center. After five years of planning and construction, which took place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new $210 million state-of-the-art facility is on track to open to the public in mid-July.
“This was an important milestone for Connecticut Airport Authority and Bradley International Airport, and it also capped more than 12 years of challenging yet rewarding work by Urban Engineers at the airport,” said Dale Russell, PE, an Urban associate vice president and national practice leader for aviation. “We were excited to partner with PGAL and Conrac Solutions / Austin Commercial and join the design-build Ground Transportation Center project that was capped off with this ribbon-cutting ceremony. It's really an amazing facility, worth flying into BDL just to experience renting a car there!”
“Despite the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of the airport’s new Ground Transportation Center has been achieved on time and on budget,” said Connecticut Airport Authority Board of Directors Chair Tony Sheridan in a statement. “Without a doubt, this has been a massive undertaking, and we extend our gratitude to all our partners on the successful completion of this major passenger enhancement.”
“CTDOT is committed to expanding connections to various modes of public transportation to get people where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti in a statement. “By expanding express bus routes and increasing rail services in the corridor, we are creating a convenient and seamless travel experience throughout Connecticut.”
When it opens, the new Ground Transportation Center will provide an elevated passenger experience, with improved access to rental cars, more parking, and future options for public transit. Key elements of the project include rental car operations for nine brands that will be consolidated under one roof in this facility, including vehicle pick-up and drop-off, car storage, cleaning, and fueling. Passenger access is available within a short and sheltered walking distance from the main terminal, Terminal A. Passengers will no longer need to use a shuttle to access their rental cars.
The transportation center will also add 830 new public parking spots, increasing the airport’s parking availability by ten percent, and include a dedicated area that, in the future, will be used to receive high-frequency buses connecting the airport to the CTRail line, as well as regional bus services.
With the environment in mind, the opening of the facility will eliminate more than a quarter-million estimated shuttle trips per year. The facility will house more than 50 electric vehicle charging stations. The rental car companies will also utilize environmentally friendly substances and will recycle and filter water during car washes.
While the Ground Transportation Center is expected to create efficiencies and transform the passenger experience, it has also drastically changed the airport’s physical footprint. The facility spans across 13.4 acres and highlights the airport’s three-letter identifier, BDL, at the entrance to the airport. Inside, the facility features a modern design and gives a nod to Connecticut’s nature and history, with striking pieces of art located on each of the four floors.