Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Nashville International Airport Consolidated Rental Car Facility

As part of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s (MNAA) New Horizon program, Burns acted as Engineer-of-Record providing design and construction phase support services for IT, low voltage, and security systems, including telecommunications, parking guidance, access control, and surveillance, for the Terminal Access Roadway Improvements, Garage D, and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) at Nashville International Airport (BNA).

The MNAA’s New Horizon program is designed to accommodate increasing passenger volumes, improve traffic flow, and elevate the customer experience which help BNA support economic growth throughout Middle Tennessee. Additionally, the program aims to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective facility that integrates seamlessly with existing operational airport facilities. As part of these enhancements, the CONRAC facility joins a suite of improvements at Nashville International Airport (BNA), including new terminal access roadways, bridges, utility relocations, a six-story consolidated rental car facility, and a new public parking garage.

Burns provided comprehensive engineering design and construction phase services for MNAA’s major infrastructure improvements, focusing on IT, low voltage, and security systems. As Engineer-of-Record, Burns developed construction documents for a multi-package construction effort, which helped significantly reduce the overall project timeline. The scope spans the Terminal Access Roadway Improvements (TARI), Parking Garage D, the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC), Quick Turn Around (QTA), and Ground Transportation Center (GTC). The work included telecommunications infrastructure, parking guidance, access control, surveillance, and related systems, ensuring passengers can efficiently arrive, park and get to the Terminal.

Burns coordinated with MNAA, stakeholders, and the contractor throughout the design and construction process, attending regular meetings and providing ongoing support.

This integrated progressive design build approach ensured that all technology and security systems were designed and implemented on a tight project schedule with a focus on activating the facility in stages.

Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC)

The CONRAC facility accommodates up to 4,700 vehicles, including 3,500 ready-return stalls and 1,200 staging spaces, serving as a central hub for rental car operations at the airport. Burns provided design and construction phase support for all IT, low voltage, and security systems throughout the facility including:

• communications rooms and infrastructure
• wireless LAN
• electronic visual information displays, and
• public address systems, as well as
• access control and video surveillance for enhanced security.

 Terminal Access Roadway Improvements (TARI)

The TARI component involves the design and implementation of approximately four miles of new and improved terminal loop roadways, enhancing access to the airport’s main terminal, Garage D, CONRAC, and parking control plazas. Burns’ scope included the installation of outside plant telecommunications infrastructure to connect these key facilities, supporting robust IT and security operations. Dynamic wayfinding and parking guidance systems will be integrated along approach roadways to streamline traffic flow and improve the traveler experience. The design also encompasses IT, low voltage, and security systems for four new parking control plazas, ensuring secure and efficient entry and exit.

Parking Garage D

Parking Garage D is a new 3,000-space public parking facility designed to enhance capacity and convenience for airport users. The Burns team was responsible for the design and construction support of all IT, low voltage, and security systems within the garage, including telecommunications connectivity to the main terminal and adjacent facilities. The scope featured parking guidance systems and digital signage to help drivers locate available spaces, as well as a parking revenue control system to manage access and payments. Additional systems include communications infrastructure, wireless LAN, , electronic visual information displays, and public address systems to improve communication and safety.

Quick Turn Around (QTA) Infrastructure

The Quick Turn Around (QTA) infrastructure within the CONRAC was designed to facilitate efficient servicing, cleaning, and staging of rental vehicles between customer uses. Our team’s scope included the design and integration of IT, low voltage, and security systems that support QTA operations, such as robust telecommunications connectivity and surveillance coverage. The infrastructure provides seamless communication between QTA areas, rental offices, and the main terminal, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.

On this project, the Burns team delivered a fully operational, state-of-the-art CONRAC and parking garage, along with improved roadways and utilities, all designed to support up to 40 million annual passengers. The result will be a safer, more efficient, and attractive airport environment, providing enhanced services for travelers, rental car companies, and the broader community, while meeting MNAA’s standards for quality, safety, and business inclusion.

Rendering courtesy of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority