Q3 2023

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The focal point of Phase 2 of the Great Hall Program is no doubt the first of two new state-of-the-art security checkpoints. The checkpoint will include 17 screening lanes with advanced technology to enhance security and make the process more efficient.

With completion of the checkpoint rapidly approaching in Q1 2024, the new space is taking shape with flooring, ceiling and even glass that protects the security screening lanes and area where travelers will await their turn for screening. But the most exciting milestone to date is the recent installation of the first security equipment, which took place earlier this month.

The security equipment is the cornerstone of the new checkpoint and will help make the journey through security more efficient. Similar to other U.S. airports, the new equipment will allow TSA to screen carry-on baggage and passengers, using the latest technology while enhancing safety and improving the passenger journey.

Features of the new equipment include:

• Allowing multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously
• Automatic diversion of any carry-on bag that may contain a prohibited item, allowing other travelers’ belongings to continue through the screening process uninterrupted
•  Automatic bin returns to the front of the line
•  Larger bins to fit more items and larger bags
•  Enhanced technology that allows passengers to leave items like liquids and laptops in their bags

The equipment for all 17 lanes will be installed over the next couple of months so it can then be tested and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can prepare their agents for opening day.

Nearly 160 contractors are working on this critical project to ensure it opens on time and on budget in Q1 2024.

Look for more information in the coming months about the opening of the checkpoint and tips for how to prepare for your journey through the new checkpoint.

Photo 1: Installation of the new security screening equipment is now underway.

Photo 2: Future screening lane vestibules and queuing space.

In October, new escalators will become operational on the east side of the terminal between Doors 607 and 609 near the Southwest Airlines ticketing/check-in lobby. Similar to the escalators installed on the west side, these escalators will take passengers between Levels 5 and 6. 

But getting to the first day of operations of these escalator is no small feat. Crews have been working on the new escalators since the beginning of the year and had to complete a six-night challenge of delivering and installing the escalators that are each nearly 56 feet long and weigh 21,160 pounds.

Take a look at this time-lapse of the installation with the photo above depicting what it look like today, just weeks away from the first day of operation.

East curbside escalator installation time-lapse video

Tim Sommers, project superintendent with Hensel Phelps (HP), is overseeing the construction of Phase 2 of the Great Hall Program, which constructs the first of two state-of-the-art security checkpoints. His role at DEN fits perfectly with his high-energy personality, his passion for building things and his desire to develop the next generation of talent.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Tim started his career in construction with his first job in high school, cleaning up construction sites for his neighbor’s home building company. He went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in Construction Management. Tim started his career with HP when he was offered a position in Colorado Springs right after graduation. Tim then worked on a variety of projects for HP in Colorado Springs; Greeley; Cheyenne, WY; Charleston, SC; and downtown Denver for a range of clients including Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Rally Hotel at McGregor Square. In 2021, Tim started work here at DEN on Phase 1 and some of the early enabling projects for Phase 2 of the Great Hall Program.

Tim’s job at DEN is challenging because he is ultimately responsible not only for the scope, schedule and budget for Phase 2, but also for safety, quality, customer relations and stakeholder communications.

“This is one of the most high-profile projects I have ever worked on,” said Sommers. “The work is not only highly technical and complicated due to the renovation style and existing conditions, but we have to minimize (as much as possible) the impacts to airport operations and the traveling public, in one of the world’s busiest airports.”  

Tim has been happily married for 13 years and is the father of three sons. When he is not working, he is coaching one son’s baseball team and another son’s tackle football team. Tim enjoyed his experience playing football in college and believes sports can help young people learn valuable life lessons. When he isn’t developing talent on the field, he is working with his team at HP to train and mentor the next generation of construction professionals. His advice for anyone looking to advance their career? “Figure out what you are excited to do, commit to it, work hard and opportunities will come your way.”

Quality is a critical component for the Great Hall Program as we strive to deliver a complex and innovative project in the Jeppesen Terminal. To ensure that quality is at the forefront of our construction every day, we rely on the professionals like Metrix Inspection Group to help us deliver top-notch projects.

Metrix Inspection Group stepped into the scene in 2015 when founder Rob McDaniel began working with Parsons Brinckerhoff to consult with clients in support of their Capital Improvement Planning efforts.

Soon after, Jamie Price (now the Chief Operating Officer of Matrix Design Group) offered a mentoring opportunity for Metrix to enter the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) industry. Metrix started with two field employees and two office employees. Today, they have seven field employees and three office employees, and the company continues to grow.

It is not just Metrix’s work that sets them apart, it is also their view on how they conduct the work that they do. “The construction inspection industry has historically been known to provoke an ‘us vs. them’ mentality when it comes to quality oversight,” says founder Rob McDaniel. “Metrix strives to treat contractors and their trade partners with respect and professionalism. Successful project delivery is the primary goal and we utilize our expertise to develop trusting relationships that allow us to solve problems before they happen.”

Metrix began their work with Hensel Phelps at DEN when their founder Rob McDaniel attended a Minority, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MBE/DBE) outreach event several years ago. At this event, Rob was introduced to Great Hall Phase 1 project manager who was interested in supplementing Quality Control staffing through the Small Business Enterprise (SBE)/MBE/DBE community. Hensel Phelps (HP) followed through on this concept, giving Metrix an opportunity to support the Great Hall Team

Since then, the primary scope for Metrix has been quality control services with the HP team. With the experience that they gained from Phase 1 of the project, their services were extended through Phase 2 and the Completion Phase. Metrix has since built on this experience to win multiple contracts at DEN including quality assurance and special inspection services.

“DEN is a dynamic workplace, that provides limitless learning opportunities for a small business. The unique architectural and operational characteristics of the airport has prepared our team to function efficiently within complex environments outside of the airport,” says Rob. “DEN also provides the opportunity to prove your capabilities in front of an enormous network of industry professionals.”

As an SBE/DBE certified firm, Rob and the Metrix team reiterate that “the Colorado MBE and DBE community is very supportive of one another” and “though we may be competitive in the market, we have established a collaborative and informative relationship with all our counterparts.” They advise anyone entering the MWBE and SBE community, “build relationships with your peers, be willing to ask questions and don’t be afraid to take chances on procurement opportunities.”

Photo 1: New security screening vestibule and queuing area inside the West Security Checkpoint; Photo 2: Installation of the security equipment for the new West Security Checkpoint on Level 6; Photo 3: Construction progress on the triple escalator in the center of the terminal that will take passengers from the new Level 6 security checkpoints to the Level 4 train to the gates; Photo 4: Newly opened corridor on Level 5 on the west side of the north security checkpoint; Photo 5: Construction progress in the northeast area of Level 6 where the East Security Checkpoint will be built; Photo 6: Art installation of the second cast bronze gargoyle titled "Notre Denver" by artist Terry Allen on the east side of Level 5.

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DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

8500 Peña Blvd., 8500 Peña Blvd.,

Denver, CO 80247