Alaska's New Tallest Building: A Landmark for Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control Tower at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Artist rendition of proposed tower at ANC

Work is currently underway at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on a project that is poised to redefine the skyline of Alaska. The development of a new air traffic control tower, reaching a height of 306 feet, is set to eclipse the current tallest building, the ConocoPhillips building in downtown Anchorage, by 10 feet. Once completed, this structure will not only serve as a modern marvel but as a crucial component of air traffic management in Alaska.

Design and Structure of the New Tower

Designed by Stantec under the commission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the new tower promises to nearly double the height of the existing control tower. One of the key features of this structure is the enlarged "cab," the upper viewing area capable of accommodating ten operators, in stark contrast to the current facility which can host only six. This increase in capacity is pivotal for managing increased air traffic complexities effectively.

Rationale Behind the Tower's Height

Ross Timm, a senior architect at Stantec, emphasized that the final height was not a mere attempt to break records but rather a necessity dictated by functional requirements. The decision to set the tower's height stemmed from the need for enhanced visual coverage across the entire runway complex, including Lake Hood seaplane airport, which is also managed by the control tower.

Addressing Traffic and Technology Needs

Ted Stevens International Airport Control Tower

The existing control tower was rendered inadequate due to obsolete electronic and mechanical equipment, coupled with insufficient operator positions failing to meet the FAA's contemporary standards. The surge in traffic, especially noticeable in the cargo sector since the construction of the 1978 tower, has amplified the necessity for an updated facility. The new tower aims to address these shortcomings comprehensively.

Advanced Radar Facility

At the base of this towering structure, an advanced radar facility will stand to regulate air traffic throughout Anchorage's airspace, including areas from Merrill Field and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). This integration is expected to streamline operations and bolster the safety and efficiency of airspace management.

Project Execution Timeline and Financial Aspects

While the FAA has not disclosed the project's cost estimate, it assures that the financial burden will not be shouldered by the airport. By May 2024, the design is anticipated to reach completion, with construction slated to commence later that same year. This timeline indicates a methodical and strategic approach to delivering this critical infrastructure.

Q&A

Q1: What makes the new air traffic control tower at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport significant?

A1: It will be Alaska's tallest building, reaching 306 feet, enhancing air traffic management capabilities with a larger operator cab and modern technology.

Q2: Why was a new control tower necessary at this location?

A2: The existing tower was outdated, with obsolete equipment and insufficient capacity to manage the increasing air traffic volumes effectively.

Q3: How does the design of the new tower accommodate future needs?

A3: With a substantially larger cab and state-of-the-art radar facilities, the tower will support current and future air traffic demands, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency.