MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami International Airport is undergoing significant infrastructure improvements following a series of high-profile issues.
County commissioners have called for more frequent updates on these projects and got their first quarterly report on Tuesday.
“You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez said.
The report outlines ongoing efforts to address the airport’s aging infrastructure, including high-profile troubles with elevators, escalators and moving walkways.
“On our elevators, escalators and movers, we made tremendous progress over the last year,” MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié said.
The number of operational elevators, escalators and moving walkways increased from 85% to 95% and phase one of a multi-million dollar project to refurbish the central terminal is in the design phase.
“Our airport is going to turn 100 years in 2028,” Cutié said. “The central terminal is 78 years old. It is our oldest terminal.”
The capital improvement project is vast.
The airport’s total square footage is greater than the Pentagon’s.
The airport houses over 600 conveyance units, including elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
“I will give you an example, an escalator or a moving walkway has more than 12,000 parts,” Cutié said, adding that some parts require custom manufacturing.
The $750 million redevelopment plan will address interior spaces, external facades, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure issues.
“The airport is in the news a lot and I think Director Cutié is doing a good job getting us on track, but we are making up for lost time,” Bermudez said.
Project video: