First and last terminal impressions are heavily influenced by landside traffic conditions. For airports, these touchpoints are tested by ongoing construction, holiday surges, major events, weather and increased demand on constrained infrastructure. Mitigating these challenges requires a forward-thinking, multipronged approach, leveraging intelligent technologies and innovative strategies to anticipate disruptions, monitor conditions and implement flexible solutions. The US$2.5bn United Airlines IAH Terminal B Transformation tackled this problem despite limited opportunities to expand terminal roadways and intrusive construction phasing. Key strategies included integrating dynamic signage, flexible curbs and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to optimize traffic flow and enhance the passenger experience.

• How intelligent transportation systems (ITS) produce landside access options that are dynamic and adjustable to accommodate traffic volumes
• Details of a unique one-level, 360° terminal curbside solution enhancing landside access for an airport challenged with roadway congestion
• The internal terminal planning approach coordinated with an access roadway solution working together for efficiency and enhanced passenger experience
• United Airlines development of IAH Terminal B with the directive that “traffic mitigation is a major driver of success”
• The collaboration of architects, traffic engineering consultants and contractors to accomplish United’s goals for traffic management