The Daily Dig:
Sundt Construction has been awarded a progressive design-build contract for the Terminal 2 East Connector project at San Diego International Airport. The project will connect the new Terminal 1 with the existing Terminal 2 East, creating a continuous terminal experience across the airport.
The two-level connector includes both landside and airside improvements. Ground level work includes an employee security checkpoint, landside concessions, new airside security barriers, apron improvements, and other landside upgrades. The upper level will include a secured pedestrian walkway between terminals, two new gate hold rooms, and passenger boarding bridges. Sundt and design partner HOK have begun design development and preconstruction, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.
Project Snapshot:
Owner / Developer: Airport Authority
General Contractor: Sundt Construction (Progressive Design-Build)
Design Partner: HOK Sector: Aviation / Airport Infrastructure
Value / Financing: Not disclosed
Location: San Diego, California
Timeline / Status: Design development and preconstruction underway; construction anticipated to begin in 2027
TheJobWalk Thoughts:
This connector is really a coordination job that happens to involve building something. It sits right where new and old terminals meet, active gates, security lines, passenger traffic that doesn't stop. Progressive design-build fits because every design call affects access, phasing, and live operations. For contractors and trades, this won't be about how fast you can build. It's about precision, managing interfaces, and staying clean in an airport that's running the whole time. Sundt's done this before, this is their fifth project there, and that matters more on a job like this than the size or the budget.
