Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) Passenger Boarding Bridge Improvements – Phase 2

Overview

In 2024, the Richland Lexington Airport District chose to complete the second phase of its Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) Improvement Project. Foth Infrastructure Solutions has retained BNP Associates, Inc. and Miller Dunwiddie Architecture for design and construction administration services.

This phase of the project will include the replacement of two existing tele-radial PBBs with new mechanical/electrical apron drive PBBs. It will also include the addition of another new PBB (a total of three) to convert an existing gate from ground loading of passengers to a PBB loading process.

PROJECT DETAILS

Design Scope

The design scope stages followed the standard format:

• Concept Design
• Preliminary Design
• Design Development
• Tender Stage

Project Components

In addition to the three new PBBs, this project will include:

• One new fixed walkway
• Refurbishment of two existing walkways
• New 400 Hz ground power units and cable hoists at all new PBBs
• One new Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) unit with hoses
• Relocation of two existing PCA units to the new PBBs
• Rooftop air conditioning/heating units for all three new PBBs
• A new motorized bag lift in the new walkway
• New potable water cabinets

Control System Upgrades

We are also strongly considering upgrading the existing PBB operator control consoles with:

• New PLC-controlled operator consoles and screens to match the new PBBs
• Wireless 5G network interface to monitor fleet and gate management, as well as the status of the PBBs, 400 Hz power units, and PC air equipment. This information would be accessible to operators via cell phones, tablets, or computer workstations.

Construction Administration Services

Construction Administration Services will include:

• Submittal reviews
• Onsite PBB and equipment physical inspections
• BNP-witnessed contractor commissioning
• Owner representative substantial completion commissioning
• Aircraft fit tests where stop marks were revised or are new