John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, is one of the world’s busiest hubs, a vital facility where travelers might expect to find state-of-the-art surface transportation systems. Prior to 2003, however, travel to and from the various airport terminals and parking areas required curb-access bus transportation that was often inconvenient and slow. After years of failed attempts to rectify the situation, a rapid transit plan emerged that successfully solved right-of-way, environmental, and public opinion obstacles. The new 8.2 mile (13.2 km) light rail line was built at a cost of $1.9 billion under design-build-operate contract using a consortium of design and construction firms. The light rail system comprises over 5400 precast concrete segments. One of the greatest accomplishments of the project was the rapid truss erection of precast concrete girders within a narrow 10 ft (3.0 m) median with minimal disruption to major roadway traffic on either side.
