Page 17 - 40th Anniversary Book 10.5x13.5 FINAL

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Preliminary Engineering
Preliminary Engineering is often a matter of problem-solving. We must come up with the
solution that will satisfy all the goals and objectives of all stakeholders.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Sky Train™ presented quite a geometric
challenge. It had to avoid a canal, pass under railroad tracks, fly over an access road,
squeeze between two parking garages, make a sharp turn, climb over a taxiway, and drop
back down almost to grade. And, yes, we did say, climb over a taxiway—something never
tried before.
An original thought had been to go under the central terminal area, but that would
have meant too deep a tunnel. Next came the idea of going under the taxiway, but that
would have meant too long a tunnel. Then came the notion of going over the taxiway.
That idea had to be presented to the air traffic control tower, and when they had agreed
that it would not obstruct their view, it had to be approved by the FAA.
Lea+Elliott began working on the alignment for the PHX Sky Train™ in 1985. Through
all the iterations, we were there to make sure that no matter how many twists and turns
and ups and downs the train was going to make, the riders would have a smooth and
comfortable experience.
We supported analyses that got the novel concept of a taxiway flyover approved
by the FAA. We came up with the specifications for the type of system that met all the
client’s requirements. We developed composite criteria—non-existent until now—for
multiple train types, to make sure that the performance specifications and ride comfort
requirements would be met on this relative roller coaster ride.
We never say never; we just come up with the solution!
Our innovations matter.
PHX Sky Train™
Image courtesy of the City of Phoenix
“One of our strongest
attributes has been that
once we engage with a
client, we become vital
to them. And I think this
success has been the result
of all the hard work put in by
my fellow employees.”
John Kennedy | Principal