The $8 Billion Overhaul of LaGuardia Airport: Engineering a New Era | NOVA | PBS

Summary

LaGuardia Airport, once one of the most dreaded in the U.S., has undergone a transformative $8 billion redevelopment. The project, the first in over 25 years, upgraded terminals and introduced cutting-edge engineering to improve functionality and aesthetics. Key features include pedestrian bridges built above the tarmac, a striking Oculus entrance flooding Terminal C with light, and flood-resistant design elements. With future-proofing for extreme weather, LaGuardia has become a state-of-the-art airport, offering a world-class experience for around 14 million passengers annually.

Takeaways

• 😀 LaGuardia Airport has long been overshadowed by its larger counterparts, JFK and Newark.
• 😀 In 2016, an $8 billion plan was launched to transform LaGuardia, marking one of the most significant airport redevelopment projects in U.S. history.
• 😀 The transformation included complete makeovers of Terminals B and C, with key upgrades to enhance the airport's infrastructure.
• 😀 LaGuardia went from being one of the most disliked airports to one of the best in the country, all while maintaining flight schedules.
• 😀 The construction team built two massive pedestrian bridges to connect the new Terminal B to its concourses, using different engineering techniques.
• 😀 The Eastern Bridge was built piece by piece on temporary towers, meeting 65 feet above the ground.
• 😀 The Western Bridge was assembled on the ground in six massive sections, each weighing tons, before being lifted into place.
• 😀 Terminal C, expected to handle around 14 million passengers annually, features a 15,000 square foot Oculus to flood the entrance with natural light.
• 😀 The Oculus was constructed from nearly 400 pieces of interlocking steel and was hoisted into place as one complete truss.
• 😀 LaGuardia's redevelopment includes future-proofing measures such as innovative heating and cooling systems to handle extreme weather and flood-resistant designs to protect against storm surges.

Q & A

What was LaGuardia Airport's reputation before the redevelopment?

LaGuardia was one of the most dreaded airports in the country, standing in the shadow of its larger siblings, JFK and Newark.

How much did the redevelopment project of LaGuardia cost?

The redevelopment project cost $8 billion.

What significant change happened in 2016 regarding LaGuardia Airport?

In 2016, a plan was launched to completely transform LaGuardia Airport, marking the beginning of one of the most significant airport redevelopment projects in U.S. history.

What are the main elements of the new LaGuardia Airport project?

The main elements include complete overhauls of Terminals B and C, the addition of two pedestrian bridges, and the construction of a new terminal (Terminal C) and concourses.

What innovative construction methods were used for the pedestrian bridges at LaGuardia?

The Eastern Bridge was built using temporary towers and assembled piece by piece, while the Western Bridge was constructed in six massive sections on the ground and then lifted into place.

How does the Oculus in Terminal C contribute to the airport’s design?

The Oculus is a 15,000 square foot opening designed to flood the entrance with light. It was constructed from almost 400 interlocking steel pieces.

How was the Oculus structure installed?

The main truss of the Oculus was raised in one piece, hoisted 100 feet into the air with a crane, and then bolted into place by a team of ironworkers.

How is LaGuardia Airport being adapted for future climate challenges?

LaGuardia has been designed with systems to both heat and cool the airport, making it adaptable to changing New York climate conditions.

What measures were taken to protect LaGuardia from storm surges and flooding?

To protect from flooding, the Concourse G of Terminal C was designed to sit on 20-foot concrete columns, allowing floodwaters to pass underneath without causing damage.

What overall impact did the redevelopment have on LaGuardia Airport’s status?

The redevelopment transformed LaGuardia from one of the most dreaded airports to one of the best in the country, with modern engineering and architecture making it a cutting-edge facility.