New Crossfield Taxiway U

Phoenix, Arizona

The Taxiway U project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a critical infrastructure initiative designed to enhance the airport’s operational capacity and efficiency by improving aircraft movement between the north and south airfields. The centerpiece of this project is the construction of a new taxiway that will span Sky Harbor Boulevard, facilitating the seamless transit of aircraft. The project is being executed in several phases, each addressing specific elements of the construction, including enabling works, roadway realignments, and the final taxiway construction, which are all essential to modernizing the airport’s infrastructure.

In the initial phase, the project focuses on extensive enabling works, which involve the demolition of significant portions of the existing Air Cargo Building C, along with other necessary interior and exterior improvements to adjacent facilities. This phase also includes major earthwork, the relocation of utilities, and the reconfiguration of existing roadways to accommodate the new taxiway. The construction of temporary facilities and the strategic relocation of the Special Events Lot and Swissport are key to maintaining uninterrupted airport operations during the project. Additionally, this phase lays the groundwork for the installation of crucial infrastructure components, such as new employee parking areas and a traffic signal at the Copperhead intersection.

The subsequent phases concentrate on constructing the taxiway itself, which includes building a three-span bridge over Sky Harbor Boulevard and Buckeye Road, supported by two large retaining walls on either side of the bridge. These retaining walls are essential for stabilizing the structure and integrating the new taxiway with the existing airport infrastructure. The project also involves the construction of additional retaining walls in the East Air Cargo area to accommodate the expanded plane parking facilities. Advanced airfield lighting, signage, and other safety enhancements will be installed to ensure the taxiway meets all FAA regulations. Upon completion, Taxiway U will significantly improve the efficiency of aircraft movements at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, reducing delays and increasing the airport’s capacity to manage air traffic effectively.