FedEx MCI Ramp Reconstruction

Project Overview

The FedEx MCI Ramp project is transforming the FedEx aircraft ramp at the Kansas City International Airport, creating an efficient ramp to support cargo operations for years to come. Located adjacent to the FedEx shipping center, the ramp serves as a critical hub where aircrafts park to unload and reload packages before arriving at their destinations.

Originally constructed more than 30 years ago, the existing ramp had reached the end of its service life. While some preservation efforts had been performed over the years ­— including patching and mill-and-fill repairs — the existing pavement was in poor condition and required a full reconstruction. ESS was selected for the project following the successful completion of work at a FedEx facility at Tulsa International Airport, completed in partnership with engineer Kimley-Horn, further strengthening relationships with both organizations.

Working closely with FedEx, ESS performs grading and excavation, underground utilities, concrete and asphalt paving, materials testing, and pavement preservation. To keep FedEx operations running smoothly throughout construction, the project team also built a temporary connector to a neighboring ramp south of the FedEx facility, providing an alternate location for aircraft parking while reconstruction is underway.

One of the project’s most significant challenges has been maintaining security requirements within the active airport environment. Every ESS team member entering and leaving the site must be properly trained, badged, and accounted for through airport security. Access is limited to a single controlled entry point monitored by a dedicated gate guard, while TSA regularly conducts security tests to verify compliance.

The team has also navigated an unusually wet spring, along with delays related to finalizing plans and agreements that affected the original schedule. Despite these challenges, the project has avoided significant liquidated damages concerns. The team is targeting completion before Thanksgiving, allowing FedEx to return planes to the reconstructed ramp before their busiest time of year.