Chicago, April 22, 2022 —As part of the City of Chicago’s ORD21, the largest redevelopment initiative in O’Hare International Airport history, Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) is playing a key role in one specific improvement project included in the $8.5 billion effort: upgrading the airport’s extensive pedestrian tunnel system.
Built in 1977, the seven underground tunnels connect the airport’s three main terminals and serves as the primary arteries for passengers and the public either walking into the airport from parking facilities and the O’Hare Hilton or taking the CTA Blue Line.
For the last three years, MFP has been working with F.H. Paschen, Inc., the general contractor on the project, to retrofit the tunnels with a cutting-edge new commercial sprinkler and fire suppression system—all while the airport remains open. According to Brian Ferguson, MFP’s executive vice president, the company’s team of designers, engineers, and fitters coordinates closely with Paschen to carry out “a carefully choreographed plan” for the installation so passengers and construction can coexist.
“Completing a job of this scale while also accommodating the safety, accessibility, and mobility of the public can be extremely challenging,” said Ferguson. “Sections of tunnel are closed on a rotating basis, so we do whatever it takes to adhere to the schedule. Over the course of the project, we expect to install several miles of piping and nearly 500 commercial sprinkler heads. That makes us proud—even if no one will ever see our handiwork behind the beautiful new interiors that transform the tunnels into a more welcoming experience.”
All seven modernized pedestrian tunnels are expected to be completed and open to the public in 2022.