Parsons lands O’Hare airport people-mover contract

The City of Chicago Department of Aviation has awarded a $310 million design-build contract to Parsons to replace and expand O’Hare International Airport’s Automated Transit System (ATS) on a basis.

Parsons will manage construction of the project, which involves replacing the existing ATS between terminals, constructing a 2,000-foot extension to service the new consolidated rental car station, expanding the maintenance and storage facility, and replacing the existing 15-vehicle fleet with 36 new railcars with automated vehicle control, traction power and communications improvements. Parsons will also design the traction power, communications and trackwork while performing systems integration and commissioning work for the entire project.

O’Hare International Airport’s ATS is a three-mile, double-track, fully automated driverless rail system that operates 24/7 among the airport’s four airline terminals and Parking Lot E (Remote Parking and Long-Term Parking). The ATS expansion will replace bus curbside pickup of rental car customers, “mitigating traffic congestion and improving air quality through the reduction of vehicle emissions,” Parson said.

This project is Parsons’ third design-build automated people mover (APM) project. Parsons has also provided construction management services on numerous other APMs.

“Parsons is pleased to partner with Chicago’s Department of Aviation on this important project at O’Hare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world,” said Parsons Group PresidenTodd Wager. “The airport ATS replacement and expansion project will save time and enhance convenience for the many travelers to Chicago.”