Bradley International Airport (BDL) Terminal A Inline Baggage Screening Building

Overview

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) secured nearly $100 million in federal funding during fiscal year 2023 to expand infrastructure, improve passenger circulation, and modernize baggage handling systems at Bradley International Airport. A significant portion of this funding supports construction of a new three‑level concourse and implementation of a modern in‑line Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Project Details

Bradley International Airport’s Terminal A Inline Baggage Screening Building Project includes construction of a new three‑level concourse. The upper level provides office space, the middle level serves as a new passenger concourse with ten (10) new gates, and the apron level houses a new in‑line Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) and expanded baggage make‑up area.

Prior to this project, BDL operated an antiquated checked baggage screening system that required passengers to manually deliver checked bags directly to TSA screening immediately after ticketing. Implementation of the new in‑line CBIS significantly improves the passenger experience by eliminating additional processing steps, reducing confusion, and increasing confidence that checked baggage will be properly screened and delivered to its final destination.

Whiting‑Turner Contracting Company was retained by the Connecticut Airport Authority as the General Contractor to oversee the overall program and engaged Studdiford Technical Solutions, LLC (STS) as the Baggage Handling System (BHS) Subject Matter Experts. STS provides a comprehensive range of services including quality assurance, construction management, construction administration, testing and commissioning, TSA coordination, and project closeout.

STS supports Whiting‑Turner by overseeing installation and commissioning of a new four (4) Explosives Detection System (EDS) unit CBIS. The scope also includes re‑control and integration of nine (9) ticket counter subsystems, six (6) curbside subsystems, one (1) oversized baggage subsystem, and one (1) new baggage make‑up unit, ensuring full system integration and compliance with TSA requirements.

Project Start

2023

Client

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Scope of Service

• BHS program management
• Quality assurance
• Construction Administration
• Construction management
• Testing and commissioning
• TSA coordination

Region

North America