Denver International Airport (DEN) has entered Phase 2 of its Great Hall Project, which will leverage technology to enhance security checkpoint efficiencies.
Phase 2 will improve security processing by building a new state-of-the-art checkpoint on Level 6 in the northwest area of the terminal, along with modern passenger queueing and improved post-security circulation.
Michael Sheehan, senior vice president, AIM development and special projects at DEN, said by taking a significant portion of the security facilities currently located on Level 5 and moving them up to Level 6 west, DEN is able to increase safety and capacity needs while making the security screening process more efficient. DEN will also be able to enable new technology enhancements that will maintain adaptability for future technological needs.
“The new security checkpoint on Level 6 will create more efficient queuing lines, giving more space to passengers and operational needs,” he said. “This will look significantly different compared to the standard security lanes DEN has in place at the three different checkpoints today.”
The new checkpoint on Level 6 in the northwest area will include additional space and updated technologies. DEN worked within the existing terminal footprint to create more square-footage and increase capacity options by extending the Level 6 balcony area that overlooks the current north checkpoint. This expansion allows DEN to increase the usable space on Level 6 and build out the new checkpoint to accommodate these more efficient queuing lines.
The Great Hall project aims to reduce passenger stress by implementing new hybrid ticket counters at check-in, offering state-of-the-art automated screening lanes (ASL) and consolidating security checkpoints.
Sheehan said the ASL units being installed at DEN expand the abilities of TSA agents to efficiently screen passengers and their baggage while improving the overall passenger experience. All ASL’s are designed to use state-of-the-art technologies to make the screening process faster, easier and safer as TSA agents are able to put more focus on security and safely processing guests and their baggage.
The ASL units will bring efficiencies to DEN that standard screening lanes do not, such as processing more passengers per hour, allowing TSA to focus more efficiently on screening passengers and baggage, while reducing manual touchpoints from passengers and agents throughout elements of the screening process.
“The automated portion of the ASL system seamlessly moves baggage through the screening system without any manual assistance needed from the passenger or the agents,” Sheehan said. “The extension of the level 6 balcony in the northwest corner of the terminal provides for enough space to install the new screening lanes and give passengers a substantial amount of space to recollect their belongings in what will be a new post security area after the screening process has been complete.”
Stantec is providing architecture, interior design, design management and construction administration services for the Great Hall Project. Stantec will also provide construction observation services with Hensel Phelps serving as construction manager and general contractor.
DEN has seen unprecedented growth in the past years and it is apparent it need to develop and build a terminal that will accommodate future growth, Sheehan said. Through the Great Hall Project, DEN is able to work within the original footprint of the airport to expand areas that will benefit this anticipated growth in the coming years. More space will allow DEN to elevate the travel experience for current and future travelers.
“It is anticipated that DEN will reach 100 million annual passengers between 2030 and 2035. DEN’s Vision 100 is a plan that will help DEN prepare for this growth and the Great Hall Project is one of many projects that will prepare DEN for the future,” he said.
Phase 2 is taking place concurrently with Phase 1, which is slated for completion by the end of 2021. Phase 2 work is slated to be complete in mid-2024, with the new checkpoint to open by early 2024.
“DEN’s airline partners have been a primary partner in building out Phase 1 of the project,” Sheehan said. “DEN is continuing to work with TSA on the design and construction of Phase 2 to bring the new checkpoint online in early 2024. DEN is also a City and County of Denver owned entity and continues to work through a formal process with elected officials for each step and phase of the project.”
Sheehan said although it is challenging to conduct construction of this magnitude in a fully operational terminal, DEN has many partners and groups who work together to make this happen.
“We’re looking forward to November when a large portion of Terminal will open back up to passengers and provide a more efficient check-in process for the majority of our passengers,” he said.
