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PHX Sky Train Value and Construction Engineering Project

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Overview

The PHX Sky Train Stage 2 Project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is an 11,682-foot extension of the automated train system from Terminal 3 east to the Rental Car Center (RCC). Currently Sky Train service stops at Terminal 3 and busses carry passengers the remaining distance to the RCC. Upon its completion in 2022 the extension will allow the Sky Train to run from the RCC east through the airport with stops at all existing passenger terminals, a new passenger drop-off/pick-up station, and a new terminal, to the East Economy Parking Lot and the 44th Street Station.

Modjeski and Masters provided precast fabrication detailing, pre-construction design assistance and erection stability analysis services to Tpac, a Phoenix, Arizona based precaster. Precast/prestressed concrete products included 296 60” deep simple span U-girders, 118 voided box girders, 8 voided slabs, and 24 78” deep U-girders that were continuous post-tensioned onsite to span an existing active airport terminal and provide for a future 162-foot wide taxiway. Prior to construction Modjeski and Masters assisted the project team in the selection of the 78” deep concrete U-girder section, which reduced erected weight and increased precast economics. During construction, Modjeski and Masters provided cantilevered girder stability analysis and tie-down methods and designed embedded steel corbels which allowed the three 185,000-pound girders to be erected and “floated” over the active passenger terminal.

Construction is ongoing, with the extension scheduled to open in 2022.

Photos contributed by Tpac, Hensel Phelps, and Modjeski and Masters.

Bridge Geometry
Length of Main Span 80 total spans, lengths vary; 198’-2 3/8” (max span), 55’-0” (min span), Plus two bridges for future taxiway use.
Total Project Length 11,682 Feet (6,987.5 feet of guideway bridge)
Features on Structure 2 Guideway tracks for automated train

"...The team at Modjeski and Masters was instrumental in the final design of the in place solution.  The project had the possibility of being over budget and may not have been awarded without their preconstruction effort and expertise in this market segment. We look forward to working together on future opportunities where we can continue to demonstrate the benefits of plant cast precast/prestressed concrete products and systems.”

-Jason Lien, Executive Vice President, EnCon United