Key Facts
- Client: City of Chicago
- Balfour Beatty company involved: Heery International, Inc
- The Chicago Airports Resources Enterprise (CARE) is a joint venture headed by Heery International, Inc and Chicago-based aviation specialist R M Chin and Associates
- In June 2005, it began a three-year contract (with two one-year renewal options) to oversee the $2 billion capital improvements programme at Chicago O'Hare and Midway International Airports
- Chicago’s airports are considered by many in the aviation industry to be the centre-piece of the nation's aviation network
- The improvements programme is part of Chicago's commitment to continually improve its airports, enhancing the experience of their 95 million-plus passengers per annum
- The programme generally includes major projects intended to preserve and maintain the capacity and functionality of existing facilities and infrastructure
- At May 2007, eight projects were underway at Midway, with a total construction value of about $261 million, and 34 projects at O'Hare, with a total construction value of about $574 million
- These include: the façade and circulation enhancement project at O’Hare; routine resurfacing of runways and taxiways; improvements to circulation roads and public parking; utility projects; security enhancements; and off-airport noise mitigation projects
- These improvements take place in an active airport environment, which requires close coordination with airport operational personnel and familiarity with the airside
- Construction means and methods that present effective solutions to construction logistics, earth work management and schedule issues are also required
- CARE is composed of eight firms in total, with approximately 60% minority business enterprises/ woman business enterprises (MBE/ WBE) participation
