Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has initiated the relocation of all nine segments of the Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) South project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The MSC South project is employing the method of Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR). This technique involves constructing segments of a project at a different location and then transporting them to the final site for installation.
The satellite segments were built north of LAX’s northern runways, outside of the airfield operations area, allowing for a high degree of operational flexibility and workforce inclusion. This approach has had minimal impact on airport operations.
Michael Christensen, Chief Airport Development Officer at LAWA said:LAX’s modernisation applies to more than just the projects we build, it includes taking on bold and modern construction methods like Offsite Construction and Relocation that will enable us to deliver incredible facilities like MSC South, while saving time and money, and allowing us to create jobs for our local workforce.
The segments are being moved during scheduled overnight relocations, following the temporary closure of Runways 24R and 24L. They are transported by two Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) from Mammoet, travelling 1.75 miles at a speed of approximately 1.5 miles per hour.
The movement is carefully managed by LAWA and project staff, who monitor for debris or any unforeseen issues. Following the relocation, the runways will be thoroughly inspected and reopened.
The project is being led by General Contractor W.E. O’Neil, with more than 30% of the workforce comprising local hires. This includes 374 local workers and two graduates of the HireLAX Apprenticeship Readiness Program.
Michael Byrne, Executive Vice President at W.E. O’Neil said:I am so proud of our team on achieving this project milestone. There is still a lot of work to be done from now until MSC South is complete, but there is no doubt in my mind that the team assembled on this project includes some of the best professionals our industry has to offer, and we will be back to celebrate the completion of this landmark Project with our partners at LAWA.
The relocation will continue throughout October. Once all segments are in place, the construction team will proceed with assembling them and completing the build through 2025.
Upon completion, MSC South will serve as an extension of the West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, providing approximately 150,000 square feet of space and eight gates for narrowbody aircraft.
