As Norfolk Southern (NS) sought to increase access and capacity at the Charlotte Douglass International Airport, STV performed construction management services for a $92 million updated intermodal facility. Completed on an accelerated schedule, the new 300-acre site at the sixth busiest U.S. airport provides easier highway access to I-485 and helps bolster NS’ import and export activities.

This project was the first of its kind constructed between two active aircraft runways, requiring extensive excavation to construct a facility on lower ground than the surrounding airport. With a focus on maintaining geometric alignment throughout the area, STV managed site preparation, conducted project inspections and materials testing, and daily documentation. The firm also managed construction of a new administration building, maintenance center, garage, and crew building, and 4.8 miles of drainage pipe installation, along with electrical wiring and conduits.

The project posed a unique challenge as construction was completed between active runways that see more than 600 takeoffs and landings each day. The new facility has the capacity for 250,000 annual cargo lifts, and includes a loading area, storage yard, inbound and outbound drives, maintenance road, and drop zone. Over the next 20 years, it is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs and generate a $9.5 billion economic benefit.