Design work continues on XNA terminal project

Design work continues on a project to renovate the front of the terminal at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill. The project also includes building a sky bridge from the terminal to the airport’s four-story parking garage.

It is one of several large projects the airport looks to consider this year, including the addition of a second concourse on the west side of the terminal, a rental car parking garage and new baggage claim area.

In October 2018, the airport’s Board of Directors approved a $1.87 million contract with Hight Jackson Associates of Rogers to design the terminal project. Hight Jackson is working on the project with RS&H, Garver, Terracon and Connico. In early 2019, airport board members discussed expanding the scope of the project beyond the plans to renovate and expand the entrance of the terminal and build the sky bridge.

Kelly Johnson, chief operating officer and airport director for XNA, said the project is in the design concept phase, and the next staff meeting on it is set for the first week of February. The XNA operations committee might discuss the project March 4. Nabholz was hired to complete pre-construction work on the project leading up to determining the guaranteed maximum price for the project. This won’t be set until the design is determined.

The sky bridge from the parking deck would allow passengers to walk over the road in front of the terminal and to the checkpoint area on the second floor of the terminal, according to plans. Some of the other elements of the project include adding new escalators and an elevator. Johnson noted there’s one elevator, and the two escalators have been running nonstop for more than 21 years. The project will be completed in phases, and other phases of the project could include installing artwork and a nearly 80-room hotel.