Suffolk, a leading builder in the United States, in partnership with the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA), celebrated a significant milestone in Lee County’s largest public works project – the topping off of the Southwest Florida International Airport’s (RSW) Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2. This achievement reflects the successful collaboration and effective project management skills of Suffolk and LCPA in delivering this multi-year expansion project with exceptional quality and efficiency.
This milestone marks the placement of the final steel beam on the 513,000-square-foot structural expansion, supported by 12,000 tons of steel. The project also includes extensive airfield work and has involved over 500 workers daily. The progress of this project is a testament to the rigorous planning, coordination, and digital technology used by Suffolk’s team.
According to Pete Tuffo, President of Florida Gulf Coast and National Gaming at Suffolk, the topping off celebration is a reflection of the exceptional skills and innovation of everyone involved. He also highlighted the importance of disciplined planning and advanced technology in constructing a major terminal expansion in an active aviation environment. Suffolk’s team and trade partners have set high standards in delivering this complex project safely and efficiently.
Suffolk’s team has utilized advanced construction technologies and AI solutions to maintain precision and efficiency in the active airfield. By creating a virtual model before physical construction began, the team was able to identify and resolve potential issues early on, resulting in significant long-term savings in both time and budget. Monthly 3D scans are also used to validate installation accuracy, and OpenSpace walks, powered by AI-driven reality capture platform, are conducted twice a week to track field progress and improve communication. Additionally, all deliveries are scheduled and managed through Voyage Control, a smart logistics management system that streamlines scheduling and minimizes congestion in high-security airfield areas.
Apart from these construction achievements, Phase 2 of the Terminal Expansion Project will bring significant changes to the functionality and capacity of RSW. It includes a new 14-gate Concourse E designed to accommodate an additional 10,000 to 15,000 passengers per day, along with airside improvements, terminal roadway modifications, passenger boarding bridges, and the potential to expand to 19 gates in the future. The project also features 37,000 square feet of retail space and nine new TSA checkpoint lanes, enhancing operational flow and passenger convenience.
The expansion project will introduce streamlined security operations, improved circulation, and modern building systems, providing an elevated passenger experience. When completed, it will significantly strengthen RSW’s infrastructure and solidify its position as one of the top airports in the country.
Suffolk’s portfolio of projects in Southwest Florida also includes Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor; Great Wolf Lodge, Avra at Metropolitan, Ritz-Carlton Residences, and the hotel at Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, in Naples; and Legacy Point and Riverdale High School in Fort Myers.
About Suffolk
Suffolk is a