Previous Story
CPA to replace passenger loading bridges at Saipan airport
A Commonwealth Ports Authority project to replace three of its passenger loading bridges at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport is finally taking off.
CPA inked the contract for the project in January 2019 with the construction firm AIC Marianas, Inc. This project was designed in 2017, was advertised in 2018, and was slated for award prior to Super Typhoon Yutu. Because of the typhoon, though, the contract was not executed until January 2019.
The duration of this project is 580 days, and the project is being funded by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and CPA.
The project will be performed in two phases due to the intricacies of working on the aircraft parking apron and to ensure that flight operations are not hampered.
The first phase of the project consists of the contractor mobilizing, staging, and fabricating the three bridges, which are currently being manufactured by JBT in Utah.
The second phase of the project consists of the demolition of the three originally contracted bridges. However, due to Super Typhoon Yutu and safety concerns stemming from the damaged bridges, CPA has submitted a change order to the FAA to allow the contractor to demolish all six bridges. If approved, the contractor will then begin removal of all bridges.
Two bridges are scheduled to arrive on Saipan late this year, and the third bridge is scheduled to arrive on Saipan early next year. Once on Saipan, each bridge will take 100 days to install. The overall project completion is currently set for August 2020.
CPA is also currently in the procurement process of replacing the additional three loading bridges not included in the 2017 design. CPA is coordinating with an architectural/engineering consultant for the design of the additional three bridges and, once design is complete, the procurement process will move forward for actual replacement.
CPA appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as it persists in getting Saipan airport back to full operational condition. (PR)
