HDR selected to lead design of automated people mover at LAX

Architectural and engineering firm HDR has been selected to lead the design of the automated people mover (APM) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the US.

Working as a member of the LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) public-private partnership team, the company will lead designs for fixed facilities for the system, with a design and construction value estimated at $1.95bn.

The automated system, which is a major component of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Landside Access Modernization programme, aims to offer a better passenger experience while supporting better operations and improved sustainability.

HDR aviation director Bill Peduzzi said: “It’s gratifying to be a part of the LINXS team selected for this remarkable project, which will greatly improve mobility for the travelling public at one of the world’s busiest airports.

“We brought our top-tier talent up against some tough competition and their ability to provide both innovation and value made the difference.”

Utility relocations are expected to commence this year while the rest of facilities construction will start next year. The project is slated to be completed by 2023.

Under the terms of the contract, HDR’s scope of work will include the final design of 2.25 miles of elevated guideway and five automated people mover stations with associated elevators and escalators.

Additionally, the company will be responsible for designing elevated passenger walkway structures with moving walkways between stations and terminals, roadway and landscape improvements and parking garages.

Additionally, a maintenance and storage facility will also be set up for the electric trains.

HDR has provided a number of technical design innovations such as engineering the guideway to avoid two existing parking structures and placing the vehicle maintenance and storage facility at ground level instead of at the elevated guideway level.

LINXS was awarded the $4.9bn public-private partnership contract to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the APM system for 30 years.

The team comprises of Fluor, ACS Infrastructure Development, Balfour Beatty, Dragados USA, Flatiron, Bombardier Transportation and Hochtief PPP Solutions.