DIA, contractor disagree
Dispute connected to delays, costs resulting from weak concrete
Denver International Airport said Thursday that it will negotiate with the contracting team on its terminal renovation project in the coming months over costs and delays stemming from the discovery of weak concrete.
The announcement is the latest sign of disagreement between DIA and Great Hall Partners, which won a $1.8 billion publicprivate partnership deal that includes the terminal project.
An airport spokesperson had said previously that DIA expected to announce the results of an outside assessment of the concrete issue this spring, along with any project revisions needed to address the concrete problems. But the airport and the contracting team haven’t been able to agree on the cost impact or how much more time is necessary.
Great Hall Partners said in its latest report to bondholders — filed Wednesday night — that it estimates delays at more than 20 months, up from an 18-month estimate. That would mean completion of the project in July 2023.
On Thursday, a bond disclosure filed by the airport said DIA and the contracting team “are entering into confidential negotiations to assess and seek resolution regarding the extent of the project delay and financial impact of the Relief Event.” That refers to the discovery last fall of weaker than expected concrete on and below the terminal’s main floor.
Great Hall Partners is led by Madrid-based Ferrovial Airports and Centennial-based Saunders Construction. GHP spokesperson Alana Watkins declined Thursday to comment.
The contracting team is overseeing a $650 million renovation of the terminal that will relocate the security checkpoints to the upper Level 6, consolidate airline check-in counters and add concession spaces on the lower Level 5. The project has a $120 million contingency fund.
Work is still underway, including in a walled-off area on the main floor where the airport’s original construction was found to be weaker than expected.
Outside experts in recent months have focused their assessments on the concrete in the topping slab of Level 5’s floor, supporting walls on the level below and other structural elements.