Jacobs Completes Key Upgrades at Denver International Airport

As Denver continues to experience rapid growth, the need to expand and enhance infrastructure to keep pace with increasing demand is more critical than ever. Denver International Airport (DEN), one of the busiest airports in the U.S. with nearly 100 million annual passengers, plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to the rest of the world. To support this growth, Jacobs works with DEN on strategic solutions that enhance the airport's capacity and efficiency, delivering critical projects since the airport’s inception.

One such effort is the Gate Apron Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvements (GARDI) Program at DEN. Since 2015, we’ve provided design and construction administration services on the program, which is essential for maintaining and upgrading the airport's gate apron areas to meet the highest standards of safety and functionality.

We successfully completed the most recent phase of the GARDI Program, which included gate-apron upgrades on Concourse A (Gates A34, A36 and A38). Both the design and construction phases were completed on accelerated schedules, allowing the gates to be turned over to the airlines for operations in late 2024.

“Each GARDI project presents unique challenges – from construction phasing, permitting and stakeholder coordination, to engineering aspects like pavement reconstruction, utilities, passenger loading bridges and jet fueling systems,” says Jacobs Manager of Projects Chad Picard. “The success of these projects requires a commitment to team collaboration and a can-do spirit to address the daily challenges that arise. Continued progress wouldn’t be possible without our strong connections with DEN, the City and County of Denver (CCD),  other organizations and our airline partners.” 

Jacobs has provided professional services at DEN since the airport was first envisioned in 1992 and opened in February 1995. The work at DEN hasn’t slowed down as the airport continues to grow and modernize, with more than 60 critical projects delivered at the airport since 2017. 

“We look forward to successfully executing on the next GARDI project as part of this decades-long program, in alignment with Jacobs’ partnership with CCD and DEN to deliver concourse gate-apron improvements with a focus on DEN’s future,” adds Chad.