Piedmont Triad International Airport

Elevated Roadway Restoration and PARCS Upgrade

Walker Consultants provided restoration and parking technology consulting for Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO).

Restoring and Improving a 35-year-old Elevated Roadway

The quarter-mile-long elevated roadway includes short-term parking and was built in 1982 along with the airport terminal. The 35-plus-year-old sidewalks and roadway topping were in poor condition and continuously deteriorating, despite previous repairs. The sidewalks, crosswalks, tunnels, and stairs were also not compliant with current codes and standards.

Walker completed a condition appraisal of the elevated roadway and presented the Airport Authority with various options for repair. Walker then developed construction documents to remove and replace the deteriorated concrete topping, sidewalks, expansion joints, joint sealants, and tunnel coatings. Walker phased the plans to minimize disruption to airport operations, including maintaining AASHTO HS-15 truck traffic during construction.

New lightweight concrete sidewalks, landscape planters, and decorative aluminum guardrails around the upper-level overlook add visual appeal and make the area more comfortable for pedestrians. Improved crosswalks and dedicated parking for delivery vehicles enhance safety and accessibility. New tunnel handrails, stair guardrails, and detectable warning surfaces on curb ramps meet current codes and standards. The pavement markings and signage are now MUTCD compliant.

Thanks to Walker’s restoration consulting, the elevated roadway at Piedmont Triad is safer and more attractive, and it can continue to serve the airport for years to come.

21st-Century Technology Upgrade

The airport’s existing parking access and revenue control system (PARCS) was past the end of its useful life, and had been discontinued by the manufacturer. In addition, the communications infrastructure was outdated and did not support current standards or equipment.

Walker performed an assessment of the latest available technologies and prepared a report for the airport with various options. Walker then prepared specifications for a new system that included license plate recognition (LPR) and online account access for customers; as well as specs for a new fiber optic, CAT6, and wireless communications network.

Walker assisted the airport with preparing an RFP and evaluating responses, and with contract negotiation.

The airport now has an all-new PARCS that makes life easier for both customers and the airport. Customers have the option of using pay-on-foot stations or a cashier at exit. LPR speeds exits for patrons and provides better audit control for the airport. The new system is PCI P2PE EMV compliant, reducing the airport’s exposure to PCI audits.