Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The PHX Sky Train Stage 2 is a significant extension of the automated people mover system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, designed by SmithGroup for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department.
This 2.5-mile extension enhances connectivity by linking the airport terminals directly to the Rental Car Center and introducing new stations at the Rental Car Center and 24th Street.
The project has been recognized for its architectural excellence, receiving the 2024 American Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The architectural design of the new stations features distinctive curved rooflines inspired by aircraft flight patterns, creating elegant and easily identifiable wayfinding points for travelers.
These elevated stations are visible from nearby Interstate 10, aiding in traveler orientation and providing essential shade.
The project also includes enhancements to the PHX Sky Train maintenance and support facility, doubling its size and adding 30,000 square feet for storage, an automated vehicle wash, and storage tracks.
Additionally, 24 cars were added to the existing 18-vehicle fleet, allowing the trains to operate in a three-car configuration, each capable of holding over 150 passengers.
This extension is expected to reduce the daily vehicle count at the airport by approximately 20,000, alleviating congestion and improving the passenger experience and safety.
The PHX Sky Train operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with trains arriving as frequently as every three minutes.
The entire journey from the 44th Street Station to the Rental Car Center Station takes about 13 minutes.
Project: Phoenix (PHX) Sky Harbor Sky Train Stage 2
Architects: SmithGroup
Lead Architect: Will McCrory
General Contractor: Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
Client: City of Phoenix Aviation Department
Photographers: Bill Timmerman
