McKissack & McKissack’s implementation of the $5 billion O’Hare Modernization Program is one of the largest constructionprojects in Chicago's history. It reduced flight delays by 79% and transformed the airport's intersecting runways to an efficient six parallel runways. McKissack will also provide project controls for O’Hare’s $8.5 billion Terminal Area Plan.
As a joint venture partner to the Project Management Office, McKissack is responsible for implementation of the program schedule and budget for the two-phase expansion of the O’Hare International Airport, which involves replacing Terminal 2 and the expansion of Terminal 5. The scope includes four new runways, two extended runways, three bridges, two new air traffic control towers, a new track system for the Union Pacific Railroad, a consolidated rental car facility (CONRAC), expansion of the O'Hare Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover, relocation of freight and cargo facilities and road and stormwater systems. The O’Hare Modernization Program includes numerous sustainable and green features, such as a 10,000-SF vegetated roof; low-VOC paints, sealants, and coatings; dual-flush toilets; drywall that controls moisture and eliminates mold; and 5% recycled materials in the North Air Traffic Control Tower administrative base building. The team was able to recycle or salvage more than half of construction waste. South airfield lighting control vault and the relocated Guard Post 1 airfield employee entrance also feature vegetated roofs. Additionally, the O’Hare Rotunda building features an aeroponic garden, the first such garden in an airport globally at the time of installation. The upcoming terminal construction program will expand the current international aviation facility and replace the aging terminal with the new Studio Gang-designed Global Terminal.
