University Park Airport was in the need for public access expansion to the terminal area. The walkway canopies were built so patrons would not congest the terminal entrance. This would allow people to disperse away from the entrance and also be protected from the elements outside.
The University Park Airport was in the need of an improvement project around the arrival and departing terminal. Over the years there has been an increase in population in the State College Area and there have been more flights flying to different cities. The airport needed to eliminate congestion around the terminal. They decided to build canopies along side the terminal so people will disperse and walk away from the terminal to grab, rides, Ubers, and buses.
James Meyer, executive director of the Centre County Airport Authority, said that the current, shorter access road has seen increased congestion because of factors such as the growth of Uber and Lyft as well as an increase in flights, with two planes sometimes arriving at the same time.
During the planning phase it was decided to go with a duplex system of hot dip galvanizing and two coat paint system for the canopies. The duplex coating system allowed the airport and tax payers to safe money because of the life cycle and sustainability of a zinc coating. By galvanizing the tube steel prior to painting, they were able to insure corrosion protection for both the inside and the outside of the structure.
The six canopies will be able to stand the test of time and protect travelers from the elements as they wait for their next mode of transportation.
