More than just a parking garage...
Warwick, Rhode Island now has a transportation hub offering one place for travelers to access planes, trains, buses and automobiles. This intermodal facility opened on October 27, 2010 and is aptly called INTERLINK. It consists of an improved airport terminal building connected by a 1,200 foot skywalk to a 6 level multifunctional parking garage. Making the T.F. Green Airport more than just an airport, it is a central station where travelers go for a variety of transportation choices.
The 6 level garage is the essential key to integrating all the other modes of transportation. At just over a million square feet with 3,200 parking spaces, it houses all rental car operations including vacuuming and car wash bays and the first elevated fueling platforms in the country. Car rental parking has 1,800 spaces and 800 spaces for commuters. The train runs through the ground floor of the parking structure incorporating a precast concrete platform that is integrated into the building. The garage includes access to buses for the Rhode Island Transportation Authority. Connecting the airport to the garage is a 35 foot high skywalk that is totally enclosed with both a walkway and moving sidewalks. Last but not least is the space allotted for “Kiss and Ride”, short-term parking for commuter pick-up and drop-off.
This multifunction garage accommodates all the essential needs of the traveler in one well thought out structure. On top of its functionality, it is energy efficient and “Green” . Recycled construction materials were used including steel, aluminum, and fly ash in the precast concrete. All 3,390 pieces of precast concrete were produced regionally by Blakeslee Prestress, Inc. Energy efficient lighting include motion sensors, photo cells and time switches, energy efficient elevators and water conserving restrooms.
When is a parking garage more than a parking garage? When it is the INTERLINK, Rhode Island transportation hub. This is more than a new facility; it is a plan that is being closely watched by other airports looking to become more traveler friendly, it is a plan for the future. |