LAWA Escalator & Elevator Upgrades Phase I

W.E. O’Neil partnered with Los Angeles World Airports on this challenging multi-phased project—considered the largest vertical construction project in the nation at the time.

The Phase 1 Elevator and Escalator Upgrade program required extensive planning, coordination, and execution to complete the replacement of 16 existing elevators, 27 existing escalators, and multiple moving walkways within Terminals 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, Administration Buildings West and East, and additional buildings off campus.

Having exceeded its useful life, the team replaced each system with modern transit-rated equipment. Related work included:

• Installing new structural steel
• Modifying existing structural steel
• Structural concrete work for new escalator pits

Other work included upgrading electrical systems to power new elevators and escalators, cooling systems for machine rooms, upgrading fire alarm and fire protection systems, and reconfiguring existing mechanical and electrical systems to provide clearance for new elevator and escalator shafts. Interior finishes included constructing new walls, ceilings, expansion joints, glass guardrails, terrazzo, ceramic tile, and stainless steel and stone cladding.

Working within an operating airport required precise planning and execution of each phase of the work to avoid delays to the overall schedule.

The general public’s safety was a priority as all renovation work took place in active passenger terminals. The project required constant coordination and daily interface with entities such as TSA, Customs and Border Patrol, LAWA Inspectors, LADBS, Airport Police, L.A. Fire Department, and various airport tenants located within the terminals.