PHX Perspective

First Planes Taxi under PHX Sky Train™ Bridge

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport celebrated another milestone during the morning of October 10, as the first planes taxied underneath the newly constructed Sky Train bridge. This event is a significant highlight in the construction of the PHX Sky Train™.

The bridge for the PHX Sky Train™ is more than 100 feet tall and large enough for a Boeing 747 to pass underneath. In fact, it is the first mass transit bridge in the world that is built over an active airport taxiway and is the most efficient and cost-effective way to cross an active airport taxiway at this location.

The PHX Sky Train™ project is well underway, and Stage One which will transport passengers between the METRO light rail, East Economy Parking, and Terminal 4, will be complete in the first quarter of 2013. Stage two, which will connect the other terminals and the Rental Car Center will be complete in the future. For additional information, visit the PHX Sky Train™ section.

Airport Director Danny Murphy says, “The PHX Sky Train™ will ensure that local residents and future generations of travelers from around the world will continue to be able to move throughout the Airport with ease and convenience at one of the ten busiest airports for passenger traffic in the country."

Key companies involved in the construction of the PHX Sky Train™ include Hensel Phelps, Austin Bridge and Road, Gannett Fleming, Bombardier, Lea+ Elliott and URS.

Additionally, 250 subcontractors and 1,300 design and construction employees are currently working on the PHX Sky Train™ project. Construction of Stage One is creating 6,000 jobs over 5 years.

Above and to the right, see pictures and video from this milestone event.

First posted: 10/11/10