A Milestone Build That Elevates Travel: Bradley International Airport Ground Transportation Center
KBE Building delivered the landmark Ground Transportation Center at Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut—a moment that re‑defines airport mobility in New England. Spanning 13.4 acres and 1.4 million square feet, this $210 million facility consolidates rental car operations, adds more than 830 public parking spaces and eliminates thousands of shuttle trips annually.
KBE Building Corporation | Bradley International Airport Ground Transportation Center at Night
Our Challenge: A Complex Convergence of Systems and Scale
Before the build, BDL operated dispersed rental car lots and shuttle systems that taxed travel flow, curb space and pedestrian access. KBE stepped in as the local construction partner to streamline everything—site logistics, rental car operations, public parking, fueling and electric vehicle infrastructure. Working under tight schedule constraints, evolving EV infrastructure demands and heavy user‑traffic site conditions, the project required a rigorous governance framework—something KBE brings to every major build.
Location: Windsor Locks, CT
Owner: CONRAC (Hartford, CT)
Client: Austin Commercial (Dallas, TX)
Architect: PGAL (Atlanta, GA)
KBE’s Solution: Purpose‑Built Infrastructure, Strategically Delivered
KBE’s approach fused disciplined planning, modular precast systems and pragmatic site sequencing. Key achievements included:
The consolidation of nine major rental car brands under one roof, improving passenger convenience and eliminating over 250,000 shuttle trips each year.
Design and build of a layered facility—parking, rental car ready/return, washing/fueling—that allowed optimised floor‑by‑floor workflow.
Coordination of above‑grade fuel lines and EV charging across multiple levels, addressing sustainability and operational readiness.
Seamless integration into BDL’s terminal environment, with an elevated bridge connecting directly to Terminal A and up‑front pedestrian access.
The Outcomes: Impact You See, and Feel
The results speak to KBE’s “Build What Matters” ethos:
A five‑year project journey turned into a reality with zero taxpayer funds — financed through airport customer fees.
Recognized as “Project of the Year” by Airport Business Magazine and awarded First Place in Mega Projects by the Associated Builders and Contractors – Connecticut Chapter, among other accolades.
830+ new public parking spaces added, more than half covered and within a short walk of the terminal — with full walkable brand experience.
EV‑ready infrastructure and more efficient passenger circulation that reduce congestion and travel time.
“The BDL consolidated facility is a hallmark of what the latest generation of ConRACs should be.”
KBE Building Corporation | Bradley International Airport Ground Transportation Center
