McGhee Tyson Airport

Our ongoing multi-year engagement at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN, showcases Walker’s full spectrum of parking planning and design services. From initial planning to the intricate engineering and functional design, this project draws on our decades of hands-on experience at airports around the nation.

Laying the Groundwork for Growth

The project began with an extensive analysis of McGhee Tyson Airport’s burgeoning parking needs, a response to rapid passenger growth. Our team projected parking demand through 2040. Their detailed exploration also covered site selection, parking layouts, and probable costs, laying a solid foundation for scalable expansions.

Operations Enhancements

Integral to our project was the enhancement of day-to-day operations. Implementing shuttle consulting services significantly improved the fluidity and user experience, as will the upgraded Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS).

Revisiting Foundations

Amidst growth plans for the future, our team reflected on Walker’s prior experience at McGhee Tyson Airport. We previously designed a parking structure at Airport, which accommodates 2,800 vehicles across three levels. Constructed with prestressed concrete systems and topped with a durable concrete layer, the structure was meticulously designed for longevity and aesthetic harmony with the terminal’s earth-tone visuals.

Expanding Capacity

As part of the airport’s ongoing development, Walker’s structural engineers are collaborating closely with the design team to scale for future demand. Upon completion, the new standalone garage will offer 3,500 parking spaces distributed over six levels. The ground floor will be dedicated to 500 rental car spaces, with the remaining levels open to the public. The design emphasizes enhanced horizontal circulation and includes comprehensive amenities such as a rental car pickup/drop-off zone and an advanced automated parking guidance system.

Shaping Airport Infrastructure

Walker Consultants remains dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that cover all aspects of airport parking—from visionary operational planning to the intricate details of structural engineering and functional design. As we progress with the expansion phase, we are excited to continue enhancing the infrastructure at McGhee Tyson Airport and to meet the future challenges of airport parking needs.

All renderings courtesy of Gresham Smith