Good News is Worth Sharing

August 28, 2025

SACRAMENTO, C.A. – Balfour Beatty has officially topped out the Sacramento International Airport’s (SMF) new pedestrian walkway, marking a monumental milestone in the delivery of the aviation project. A topping out ceremony was held to commemorate the placement of the final structural beam of the walkway structure signifying major progress on the airport’s newest facility.

To reach this milestone, Balfour Beatty poured 5,136 cubic yards of concrete, set 1,703 tons of structural steel and installed 153 auger cast piles (ACIPs) and seven cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) foundations. The steel erection spanned three active roadways—Lindbergh, Lower Airport and Upper Airport—without disrupting airport operations, a feat made possible through six months of meticulous planning and coordination with airport personnel.

“Topping out the SMF Pedestrian Walkway is a proud moment for our team and a testament to the precision, collaboration and commitment that define our work,” said Kyle Frandsen, Balfour Beatty vice president in Sacramento. “I want to congratulate everyone involved—from our dedicated project team to our trusted trade partners and client stakeholders—for their relentless focus on safety, quality and schedule throughout construction. We look forward to building on this momentum to successfully deliver this structure that will enhance the passenger experience at SMF.”

“The pedestrian walkway will not only connect Terminal B and Concourse B at Sacramento International Airport, but it will also enhance our ability to connect our community to the world." said Director of Airports for Sacramento County, Cindy Nichol. "Topping out the pedestrian walkway is a major milestone, and it represents the progress we’re making on the entire SMForward program as we experience record-breaking passenger growth, while also enhancing the travel experience for everyone who comes through SMF.”

The pedestrian walkway is a key component of the airport’s $1.4 billion SMForward program and represents a $140 million investment in connectivity and passenger experience. Once complete, the quarter-mile skybridge will link Terminal B to Concourse B, offering a seamless, accessible corridor featuring moving sidewalks, escalators, elevators, and public art installations.

The project’s next phases include installation of elevators, moving walkways, roofing, curtainwall and exterior finishes. Terrazzo flooring, commissioning and final finishes are scheduled for next year.

Balfour Beatty is proud to partner with DWL Architects, Accenture and the Sacramento County Department of Airports to deliver the pedestrian walkway project. For more information and updates on the SMForward program, visit https://www.flysmf.com.