LVIA Celebrates Completion of Multi-Modal Transportation Center

August 8th, 2017 | Airport News

Airport Authority dedicates a terminal roadway in honor of the late Robert “Bert” Daday

Allentown, PA – Following ten months of construction at Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA), there is a new transportation hub in the region with the arrival of the Multi-Modal Transportation Center.

Funding for this project included a $1.75 million grant from the Multi-Modal Transportation Fund through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation.

“Unwavering support for this project from Governor Tom Wolf along with state and local legislators has helped LVIA gain a competitive edge as we strive to be the best regional airport system in North America,” said Charles Everett, Executive Director, LNAA.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Board of Governors awarded a $5 million contract bid to Wilmer R. Schultz, Inc. of Emmaus, PA in August, 2016. Among the initial phases of this project included the demolition of Building 10, which was built in 1965 and used as a firehouse and later as a maintenance facility.

“The design of this facility certainly focused on the customer experience and helps LVIA remain competitive with other regional airports,” said Ryan Meyer, Director of Planning & Programming, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

Passenger improvements are demonstrated by reduced walking distances to rental cars from the terminal (700 feet closer), weather protected walkways, eliminating passenger / vehicle conflict points, double the amount of existing taxi stands and designated areas for bus services

“The new facility provides a modern and convenient location for LANTA riders to access the airport for employment or travel, as well as to transfer between LANTA routes or to Trans-Bridge services,” said Owen O’Neill, Executive Director, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority.

Adding inter-city service with Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc. offers another option to passengers looking for access from outside the region.

“The transportation industry as a whole has been progressively changing. In relocating our New York operation to the Multi-Modal Transportation Facility at LVIA, we intersect with the transportation hub of the Lehigh Valley, which will enable us to expand our service and customer base,” said Jim JeBran, Executive Vice President, Trans-Bridge Lines, Inc.

In December 2015, the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Board of Governors approved a resolution to designate a portion of the terminal roadway, “Bert Daday Drive,” to recognize his 28 years of serving the Airport Authority and strong support for regional aviation.

Joined by his wife, Lois and ten other members of the Daday family, the LNAA fulfilled that promise by officially unveiling a special road sign bearing his name.

“Bert Daday Drive” will forever symbolize the many lessons we learned from him, about service, integrity, wisdom and the passion for making a difference,” said J. Michael Dowd, Chairman, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Board of Governors.