NEW ORLEANS AIRPORT
OWNER: New Orleans Aviation Board
LOCATION: New Orleans, LA
VALUE: $633 Million
Kenny Construction Company provided program management services as part of a multi-year expansion program to revitalize Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, one of Louisiana’s most vital economic assets. The airport generates more than $1 billion annually and supports the region’s fast-growing tourism industry.
Anticipating a sharp rise in air traffic, in 1996 the New Orleans Aviation Board launched its New Orleans International Airport Capital Improvement Project. Following its long history of success with managing large and complex projects, Kenny was selected to manage construction of a new terminal and general aviation facilities, including aircraft aprons, ramps, taxiways and runways.
Nine separate construction projects began in 1993, including air cargo facilities, a rail link, roadway improvements and expansion of the western terminal. Kenny’s program management team completed three of the nine projects the same year.
Coordinating multi-phase construction activities while sustaining ongoing airline operations, traveler amenities and facility support services is a tall order. The Kenny team addressed these and other challenges during a diverse and extensive project that included oversight of civil, architectural, mechanical and electrical design work. In addition, Kenny prepared early bid packages that ensured both the ability to perform a detailed review of potential contractors and allow the most cost-effective response by bidding contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Design procurement schedules were key to meeting the overall design phase of the project.
During construction, Kenny monitored the program’s commitment to achieving DBE/MBE/WBE goals and prepared customized baseline schedules for each project. Kenny’s extended support staff monitored daily progress on multiple ongoing projects, established and maintained an effective quality/assurance control program and developed standardized procedures for procurement of overall administration, operations and other professional services.
The Kenny team’s work also included an active outreach program to keep residents and businesses in the affected areas advised of progress. Because of Kenny’s integrated construction management expertise, scheduling, cost concerns, safety issues, engineering, procurement and construction have been successfully addressed and the New Orleans International Airport Capital Improvement Project completed on schedule and on budget.