Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP/KCRP), TX, USA

Corpus Christi International Airport, Texas, USA is located on 2,415ac of land and lies approximately eight miles from downtown Corpus Christi.

In 2000 the single terminal building (Terminal B), which was over 40 years old, was over loaded and the facilities it offered were below par. A project was put into action to replace the terminal and so provide the city with a modern and efficient airport. Corpus Christi is a vacation destination.

The city relies heavily on its beach-front location and resources to draw tourists. In 1998, visitors pumped more than $550m into the city. The new terminal was part of a council program to attract not only leisure travellers but businesses as well, bringing the area to the same economic standards as the rest of Texas.

The facility is located near the nation's sixth largest seaport and is bordered to the north by railroad lines connecting the USA to Mexico and Highway 44. The airport has the potential to become an effective link for international cargo in South Texas. The airport operates with two parallel asphalt runways: runway 17-35 is 6,080ft by 150ft and runway 13-31 is 10,000ft by 150ft.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CONTROL TOWER

Work began in 2000 to construct a modern, first-class facility with a two-storey terminal. Phase one was a free-standing control tower to monitor flights throughout South Texas and into Mexico.

The construction of the control tower only took one year but it required a second year to install and test all the equipment. The new terminal was completed and fully operational by 2002.

TERMINAL CONSTRUCTION

The new 165,000ft² Hayden W. Head Terminal incorporated a futuristic design by architect M. Arthur Gensler Jr and Associates. The designed interior featured a composition of architectural curves, textures and colours, showcased with new lighting design. The terminal has six gates and was opened in November 2002.

The construction contractor was a joint venture of Fulton and Coastcon. CCRD Partners provided mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering services for the phased development of the project. Ground breaking took place in March 2000.

The construction used 18,400yd³ of concrete, 17,000ft² of glass, 2,500yd² of carpet and 42,000ft² of terrazzo floor tiles. The airport is now equipped with two baggage carousels. They are conveniently located on the first floor of the new terminal directly across from the car rental counters.

Phase two of the project involved the demolition of the central entry terminal and its replacement with a new building including a new central terminal area, holding rooms, food court and airline operations areas. The final phase of the project involved the demolition of the old west concourse and temporary passenger bridge.

INCREASED CAPACITY

Travellers to the airport now find ticket counters, gates, rental cars and baggage claim areas are all within easy walking distance. A new flight information display system, concessions and customer amenities adds to the convenience of the terminal.

New equipment and systems have doubled baggage handling capabilities, enhanced airport security and provided much needed climate control.

Passengers now board directly from the centrally located lobby, reducing the average walking distance in the airport from 750ft to 500ft.

RUNWAY REHABILITATION

Improvements to runway 17/35 will include: drainage upgrades, new asphalt, shoulder upgrade, new paving, runway edge lighting upgrades and blast pad improvements. The project is tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2006 with completion expected in June 2007.