Lehigh Valley International Airport Terminal Connector and Security Checkpoint

Allentown, Pa.

Award of Merit

Submitted by: Airport Design Consultants Inc.

Owner: Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority

Lead Design Firm: The Sheward Partnership

General Contractor/MEP Engineer: Arora Engineers Inc.

Civil Engineer: Airport Design Consultants Inc. (ADCI)

Structural Engineer: RS&H

Geotechnical Engineer: Schnabel Engineering


The team minimized disruption to airport operations through careful planning and phased implementation as it adapted to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions.

Located in an environment prone to sinkholes, the airport’s geological conditions created engineering challenges, such as the depth of micropiles for the new facility’s foundation. Advanced project management tools were used to track progress and facilitate real-time decision-making.

Constructing a 25,000-sq-ft connector building linking the existing terminal with two other concourses, the team added four Transportation Security Administration checkpoint lanes, four elevators and four escalators for both inbound and outbound passengers. It also created TSA offices and support space as well as an elevated walkway spanning a portion of the apron. That allowed vehicle traffic to flow underneath while passengers entered the concourse directly at gate level. Previously, passengers used a tunnel connecting the main terminal and departure building.

The $38-million project finished below budget and on schedule in 28 months.