Superior Construction has been selected to develop a new North Remain Overnight (RON) Parking Apron at the Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Under the $22.3 million contract awarded by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA), Superior will perform site draining and concrete paving to establish a new parking location for nine commercial freight aircrafts. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-July 2023.

The relocation is part of the final phase of TPA’s master plan, which includes building a new $784.4 million terminal building — the airport’s first in 17 years — where the current apron is located. That separate project is set to begin in 2024, with estimated completion in 2027.

“To make room for the new terminal, our scope of work will focus on a 20-acre site at Taxiway B1,” said Matt Stuart, Superior’s Tampa Area Manager. “It’s a significant project footprint, but using our own batch plant to mix and pour concrete on-site gives us greater control over quality and schedule.”

Superior estimates the project will require:

• 41,000 square yards of Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP)
• 20,000 cubic yards of grading
• 3,000 linear feet of storm sewer pipe
• Seven cast-in-place storm sewer structures

“Sharing a job site with an active airport certainly adds a layer of complexity to the project. Our crews must abide by strict FAA regulations and receive specialized safety training,” said Ryan Hamrick, Central Florida Division Manager for Superior. “But with our previous aviation experience, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for the team.”

Superior has completed several active airfield projects, including work at the Nashville International Airport and the Cecil Airfield in Jacksonville. While this isn’t Superior’s first project at the Tampa International Airport, it is the company’s first contract directly with HCAA.

Crews expect to complete the 11-month project by June 2024.