O’Hare’s $8.8 Billion Expansion Progresses with Unique Management Approach

The $8.8 billion ORD Next capital project is significantly advancing the transformation of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. This ambitious expansion includes the addition of two new concourses and the doubling of a terminal's size, aiming to streamline traffic at one of the world's busiest air hubs. Zach Baughman, Chief Development Officer for the Chicago Department of Aviation, leads the project with a distinctive management philosophy. As a lawyer without a traditional construction background, Baughman encourages his teams and contractors to articulate decisions clearly, fostering an environment of open questioning and healthy disagreement to ensure thorough planning and problem-solving.

A key challenge involves executing this colossal upgrade while maintaining continuous airport operations. This requires extensive coordination with airline partners, the TSA, and the FAA. Years of preparatory work, including the strategic relocation of taxiways and innovative stormwater management solutions like the expansion of detention basins and construction of a new tunnel, have been crucial. For instance, interim taxiways were created to maintain aircraft flow when new building heights obstructed FAA line of sight. This meticulous, long-term planning approach is essential for large-scale infrastructure projects to minimize operational disruptions.