LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse South (MSC) construction makes progress

The US$400 million Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South is making progress and has been topped out one month after construction broke ground at the exterior of the West gates at LAX. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025 on the facility that will feature eight gates. The building is intended to replace an existing regional jet terminal located near Terminal 8. The Midfield Satellite Concourse South will be built using components built in nine segments approximately a half-mile away. The segments will then be delivered to the site and then assembled. This is a first of its kind construction technique that is unlike other recent LAX additions and renovations.

The LAX Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South design

Designed by Woods Bagot, the structure will take an L shape footprint which directly connects to the West Gates passenger concourse on its second floor. Furthermore, the plans include an exterior brise soleil system. This frames views from the interior while also offering solar shading for the concourse within. The design, which is described as paying homage through elements of LA’s modernist homes, is aimed at achieving LEED silver certification.

Project Scope

The Midfield Satellite Concourse South will take a total of 150,000 square-feet. It is part of the US$14 billion LAX facelift project. The facelift project includes the construction of new ground transportation hubs, renovations of terminals, and an automated people mover system. Architectural plans show a lower profile structure than both the West Gates and TBIT. It will be fitted with an exterior of steel, masonry, glass, and metal screens. Furthermore, the signature element of the design is an array of aluminum sunshades, which are echoed in the interior of the passenger concourse.

“Residents of Los Angeles and visitors to our amazing city are already experiencing the ongoing modernization at LAX. With its swift project timeline and distinctive construction approach, they can expect to enjoy all of the benefits of MSC South next year,” said Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park in a LAWA news release.

The LAX Metro Rail Station and people mover system project

Another major project under construction is the US$900 million Metro Rail Station along with an automated people mover system. Intended to connect the LAX central terminal area to a new consolidated rental car facility, the project has been under construction for the past four years. It is expected to be debuted later this year. The system will be 2.25 miles long and is part of the airport’s US$5 billion landside access modernization program. Additionally, it will also include a pair of new ground transportation hubs designed to steer passenger drop-off and pick-up away from the airport’s congested horseshoe.

Intermodal Transportation Facilities East and West, the ground transportation hubs which will be engineered by HNTB and constructed by Swinerton. ITF East is intended as the primary pick-up and drop-off point for passengers arriving via private automobile. Further, it would connect to the people mover via a new plaza. ITF West would replace an existing Avis rental car lot, which is being relocated into the consolidated rental car facility (Conrac).