Route Development
Messer Sundt Begins $900M Rental Car Project at Nashville Airport
Messer Sundt Joint Venture launches a $900 million rental car facility and parking expansion at Nashville International Airport, part of a $3B upgrade.
This article is based on an official press release from Messer Construction Co.
The Messer Sundt Joint Venture has officially commenced construction on a massive $900 million consolidated rental car (CONRAC) program at Nashville International Airport (BNA). According to an official press release from Messer Construction Co., the project is a major component of the airport’s broader $3 billion “New Horizon” expansion initiative.
Designed to accommodate the rapidly growing passenger traffic in the Nashville region, the progressive design-build project will deliver a significantly expanded rental car complex, a new parking garage, and critical roadway improvements. The joint venture expects to complete the multi-phased development by 2029.
As one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, BNA is prioritizing capacity and mobility upgrades. We are seeing major infrastructure investments across the aviation sector, and this $900 million commitment underscores the demand for streamlined traveler experiences.
Project Scope and Infrastructure Upgrades
The comprehensive scope of the CONRAC program involves the construction of a six-level facility tailored to modern airport logistics. Based on the project outline provided by Messer Construction Co., the development includes a new parking garage that will provide 3,000 parking spaces, offering travelers direct and easy access to the terminal.
Adjacent to the parking structure, the joint venture will build a 4,700-vehicle consolidated rental car facility. This will be supported by a dedicated Customer Service Building to streamline rental operations. The facility will also feature quick-turnaround areas equipped with fueling stations and car wash capabilities to maintain rental fleets efficiently.
Roadway and Mobility Enhancements
Beyond the buildings themselves, the $900 million investment will fund significant improvements to the airport’s vehicular flow. The project includes new bridges and roadways that will connect Terminal Drive directly to the new CONRAC facility.
Additionally, the construction teams will expand the Terminal Drive “loop road.” The company noted that this expansion is designed to increase capacity for all roadway traffic and improve connections to the surrounding local road network, while also adding infrastructure to support on-airport shuttle operations.
Leadership Perspectives on the Expansion
The collaboration between Messer Construction Co., Sundt, and the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) aims to deliver the project on an aggressive schedule while maintaining environmental performance standards. Project leaders have emphasized the transformative nature of the investment.
“This project is a transformative investment in the future of Nashville International Airport and the region it serves. Our team is proud to partner with Messer Construction Co. and MNAA to deliver a facility focused on the traveler experience while improving operational efficiency and supporting the airport’s continued growth.”
The quote above highlights the dual focus on customer experience and operational capability that the joint venture is bringing to the Nashville market.
Messer Operations Vice President Jeff Banta echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of the final phase of the terminal area roadway improvements.
“We’re excited to partner with Sundt and MNAA to lead the construction of BNA’s new consolidated rental car facility, parking garage expansion and the final phase of the terminal area roadway improvements. Our talented design-build team is proud to be part of improving the traveler experience for the growing Nashville region.”
Banta’s remarks, sourced from the official announcement, reinforce the joint venture’s commitment to supporting the region’s economic and infrastructural growth.
AirPro News analysis
The $3 billion New Horizon program at Nashville International Airport reflects a broader trend among mid-sized and large U.S. hubs racing to modernize aging infrastructure. As passenger volumes continue to break records post-pandemic, airports are increasingly turning to consolidated rental car facilities (CONRACs) to reduce terminal congestion and centralize ground transportation.
By removing rental car shuttles from the main terminal loop and integrating a 4,700-vehicle facility with a 3,000-space parking garage, BNA is positioning itself to handle long-term capacity demands. The $900 million price tag for this specific phase illustrates the high capital costs associated with progressive design-build infrastructure in today’s construction market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total cost of the BNA CONRAC program?
According to the press release, the Messer Sundt Joint Venture’s work on the CONRAC program is estimated to cost $900 million.
When will the Nashville Airport CONRAC project be completed?
The project will be delivered in phases and is scheduled for final completion in 2029.
How many vehicles will the new facilities hold?
The project includes a new parking garage with 3,000 spaces and an adjoining consolidated rental car facility designed to hold 4,700 vehicles.
Sources
Photo Credit: Messer Construction Co.