Delay in Orlando Airport’s New Pedestrian Bridge Due to Ongoing Contractor Payment Dispute

ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re planning to visit Orlando International Airport’s newest terminal this summer, prepare for a potentially uncomfortable trek to Terminal C, particularly if you’re using the tram or train station.

The completion of the air-conditioned pedestrian bridge, intended to link the People Mover station (transporting passengers from terminals A and B) and the Brightline terminal with Terminal C, remains delayed by nearly a year.

Currently, there is still only one way to walk to Terminal C from the tram and the train: through the open-air Terminal C parking garage.

Since the opening of the $2.8 billion south terminal complex in 2022, a prominent complaint reported by News 6 has been the lengthy walk, further complicated for passengers either arriving at Brightline station or utilizing the People Mover from the north terminals A and B.

A $100 million enclosed pedestrian bridge promises to bring relief – but likely not this summer.

[See more below on why the pedestrian bridge will make travel easier at MCO]

For now, travelers burdened with luggage must navigate through the open-air Terminal C parking garage and deal with floor expansion joints that don’t accommodate small suitcase wheels. News 6 has witnessed numerous passengers struggling with suitcases or carts abruptly halting or toppling when caught in these joints.

The indoor pedestrian bridge, featuring rental car counters, has been under development since 2023 when the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority granted a $100 million contract to Weitz, a known airport terminal builder.

However, a critical situation was outlined in a May email to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings from Weitz subcontractor Sky Builders USA, revealing that 12 local subcontractors had not received $10 million for over six months for their work on the bridge.

“This project, awarded by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) to Weitz Construction in 2023 for approximately $100 million, has become a source of serious concern for the local business community,” the subcontractor told the Mayor. “Unfortunately, their handling of this project has been marked by severe delays-now nearly 12 months behind schedule-and major budget overruns. Most troubling, however, is the fact that at least 12 local subcontractors have not been paid for their work since October 2024 The total amount owed is estimated at approximately $10 million.”

[SEE PART OF THE EMAIL BELOW]

Sky Builders USA reminded Demings of Weitz’ payment obligations.

“According to the GOAA contract, Weitz is required to pay subcontractors within seven days of receiving monthly payments from the Authority,” the subcontractor wrote. “Despite this clear requirement, GOAA has continued to pay Weitz while the subcontractors remain unpaid. We believe this constitutes a gross misuse of public funds and in our case our job is done and accepted by GOAA.”

GOAA responded on June 1 with a notice to Weitz “demanding that Weitz immediately pay its subcontractors all amounts owed and received from the Aviation Authority.”

GOAA Capital Program Senior Vice President Max Marble told Weitz failure to pay subcontractors is a “breach of Weitz’s Agreement.”

[SEE THE NOTICE BELOW]

“The Aviation Authority has given verbal and written notice to Weitz demanding it pay the subcontractors,” Marble told Weitz in the notice. “Weitz’s improper certifications constitute a basis for immediate termination under Section 14.2.1(12) of the Contract between the parties. Additionally, Weitz’s failure to have paid its subcontractors monthly within ten (10) days after receipt of the Aviation Authority’s payment to Weitz is an ongoing violation of Florida’s Local Government Prompt Payment Act, Section 218.735(6).

Marble warned Weitz if future payments are not made, GOAA “will issue direct payments to such subcontractors and offset such sums against Weitz’s future payments.”

According to GOAA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Angela Starke, Weitz now appears to be up to date with subcontractor payments but “there are some disputed amounts being worked through.”

Pedestrian Bridge projected completion date, however, has now slipped from fall 2024 to end of summer 2025.

“The current estimate from the contractor is late August to early September,” Starke said.

In a June email to News 6, Weitz Marketing Director Rachel Delzell said Weitz was working towards a “resolution.”

“The Weitz Company, as a standard practice, does not comment on issues related to individual contracts,” Delzell said. “However, we take concerns from our trade partners seriously and are committed to fostering strong, transparent relationships with all trade partners and suppliers. In the construction industry, as an owner pays for work placed, the general contractor subsequently pays trade partners and suppliers for the approved value of work completed. While we recognize that disputes can arise and often involve differing perspectives, we are actively meeting with both the airport and subcontractors to work toward resolution. The Weitz Company values our partnerships with owners and trade partners, is committed to honoring contractual terms on every project, and takes pride in helping build thriving communities alongside a diverse network of contractors.”

News 6 emailed Weitz for an updated comment this week on Monday, Tuesday and again Wednesday but received no response.