Halifax International Airport Stand-by Parking Lot
Location: Enfield, NS, Canada
Client: Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA)
Duration: March 2024–December 2024
Key Personnel: Mark Stuckless, Kevin MacDonald, Todd Menzies
Project Description
Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) was in need of a new parking lot to accommodate vehicles waiting to pick up incoming passengers. Harbourside Transportation Consultants (HTC) was retained to complete a review of the available options for stand-by parking on the HIAA property and to develop a solution to provide the number of required spaces. The detailed design that was undertaken included new curb, lighting, parking layout, asphalt, sidewalk, and an expanded storm sewer system, including a drainage plan on the new asphalt and catch basin installation. Harbourside Geotechnical Consultants also conducted the geotechnical investigation portion of this project.
Harbourside’s Role
Harbourside began with a review of the existing parking lot, and surrounding areas to determine the optimal location within property boundaries. A preliminary design was developed and presented to the client, suggesting the area adjacent to the Tim Hortons as the best location.
Following this, several site-specific investigations were necessary. A geotechnical investigation was conducted by Harbourside Geotechnical Consultants for quality assurance and quality control at the project site. Field investigations were used to outline any property issues and potential drainage issues. These surveys also helped when designing traffic diversions routes during construction.
With the site information thoroughly documented, detailed design of the parking lot could begin. This included the parking area and all associated utilities such as storm water, sewer design, and lighting. Design also included excavation and backfill, new asphalt, new curbs and new sidewalks. The design also considered the entrance intersection, modifying the Tim Horton’s driveway to incorporate the new parking lot entrance.
During the tendering phase, Harbourside created all tendering documents. HTC also reviewed all contractors’ questions, issuing clarifications when necessary. Finally, Harbourside evaluated tenders for the client, and provided recommendation for award. After award, Harbourside acted as coordinator between Halifax International Airport and the Contractor, providing interpretation, direction, and solutions regarding development and any potential issues that arose.
Unique Challenges
The Halifax Stanfield International Airport is the largest in Atlantic Canada. As such, in order to serve passengers effectively, service disruptions have to be kept to a minimum. This is especially true for parking. Congestion and limited parking inventory can cause delays that impact passenger experience. Site work had to keep this in mind, ensuring that traffic disruptions were kept to a minimum. In addition, since the work also took place adjacent to a Tim Hortons, the impact on business had to be minimized as well. To do both of these, work had to be completed efficiently, and conducted during key timeframes.
Social Impact
Stanfield is the international gateway for Nova Scotians. Both tourists and residents rely on the airport in equal measure. Those visiting or travelling out of province require effective parking solutions so that they can do with ease and security. There is an economic benefit in being able to accommodate travelers both into and out of province. In addition, there are clear social benefits in providing a stress-free experience to those driving to-and-from the airport.