For over 20 years, Urban has provided airport consulting services to the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA). SARAA is undertaking a significant air cargo expansion at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Phase one of the expansion was the rehabilitation and intersection improvements for Airport Drive. Urban provided project management, design, construction management, and inspection services.

The $5 million project to improve traffic flow features a roundabout at Airport Drive, Olmsted Drive, and Third Street. The intersection is the gateway to the future cargo apron expansion and the main entrance to the future cargo facility. In addition, the intersection is a central hub that connects the airport terminal, PA Air National Guard, rental car facilities, long-term parking, Amtrak train station, and other tenants located at the airport.

Roundabouts are becoming an increasingly popular form of intersection control because of their safety and mobility benefits. Roundabouts also contribute to sustainable development by promoting environmentally friendly transportation practices and supporting economic and community well-being.

Additional project intersection improvements included UPS and FedEx queuing and staging truck parking lots, a designated cargo tug road, a 60-space cargo employee parking lot, sidewalk improvements and ADA ramps, utility improvements, roadway lighting, and signage.

Airport projects require a holistic approach, considering multiple factors to ensure success. The intersection improvements included a thorough analysis of existing traffic patterns and future projections, design elements that enhance safety, such as appropriate signage, lighting, pedestrian crosswalks, cargo handling efficiency, environmental considerations, integration with existing infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and future growth.

Urban Engineers' expertise and longstanding partnership with SARAA were key factors that facilitated the project's success. Urban Engineers hold specialized knowledge and skills relevant to this initiative and a deep understanding of SARAA's goals, objectives, and mission. This familiarity allowed Urban to effectively align its services and solutions with SARAA's needs.

Urban Engineers provided the project design on schedule and under budget, demonstrating effective project management and execution.

Cost

$5 million

Duration

2022-2023

Client

Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA)