SMF Breaks Ground on $140 Million Pedestrian Walkway

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) breaks ground on $140 million pedestrian walkway as part of $1.3 billion modernization plan, SMForward. The entire renovation program is expected to last for the next three years.

SMF broke ground on a new pedestrian walkway Monday. This marks the beginning of the SMForward program, a $1.3 billion airport renovation plan aimed at modernizing the airport to accommodate growing passenger numbers and future growth.

A vital component of the SMForward initiative, the new Pedestrian Walkway will link Terminal B to Concourse B through a skybridge equipped with moving sidewalks, escalators and elevators in a corridor. This $140 million endeavor is intended to improve passenger movement and facilitate expansions.

Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy stressed the significance of the project, in meeting demands mentioning that passenger numbers are expected to hit record highs this year.

Adjacent to the automated people mover the new walkway at SMF will provide a transition from Terminal Bs entry points, ticket counters, baggage claim areas, security checkpoints and airline gates. A portion of the projects funding includes $33 million in grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) a loan from the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and airport revenue bonds without utilizing tax funds.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA 06) expressed satisfaction with how Sacramento County’s benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He emphasized the importance of securing grant funds to enhance Sacramento International Airports infrastructure for travel for passengers. Working alongside Congress members he aims to ensure that this significant law continues to improve and strengthen infrastructure.

The built walkway at SMF not only caters to current needs but also prepares for future expansion by anticipating potential growth. Its strategic design aims to facilitate connections for a terminal reflecting a thinking approach, to the project.

Supervisor Phil Serna highlighted that the walkways design, which includes two sky bridges and a central hub looks ahead to possibilities. As a result these features will offer SMF travelers options by linking them to a terminal. This innovative strategy addresses the growing need for air travel in our developing area.

The pedestrian walkway is part of initiatives within the SMForward program. Other notable projects include a 3,400 space parking garage near Terminal B, expansions at both terminals a new ground transportation center catering to taxi and ride share services as a modern rental car facility.

New Pedestrian Walkway at SMF Under CMAR Delivery Method

Balfour Beatty won the competitive selection process for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and will oversee the pedestrian walkway project. This marks the first time Sacramento County has employed the CMAR delivery approach for a project. Furthermore, this method promotes collaboration among the Department, project designers, and construction managers to enhance project design and cost management.

Kyle Frandsen, Vice President of Balfour Beatty, expressed gratitude for the company’s selection as the building partner for the Pedestrian Walkway project. He emphasized Sacramento International Airport’s significance to Balfour Beatty, adding that the company looks forward to elevating this project to new heights.

The CMAR delivery method aims to improve project quality and efficiency by integrating design and delivery processes alongside risk management measures. The use of guaranteed maximum price (PGMP) contracts will help mitigate financial risks for the Department and ensure that the pew pedestrian walkway at SMF project part of the SMForward initiative stays within budget while meeting rigorous standards.

The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining four airports in the county – Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field – all of which play a role, in driving growth in the region.

SMF alone provides over 155 flights on 12 domestic and international airlines to 36 destinations adding more than $4 billion each year to the local economy.

The SMForward initiative demonstrates Sacramento International Airport’s (SMF) commitment to growth, thereby strengthening its position as a major travel hub and significant economic contributor to the region. Through the new Pedestrian Walkway and other improvements, SMF aims to enhance convenience, connectivity, and capacity for passengers. Consequently, these advancements will reinforce the airport’s reputation as a premier travel gateway in Northern California.