Buffalo, NY – 02/07/2025 –
RJ Watson Supports the Future of Air Travel with Structural Bearings for JFK Terminal 6
At RJ Watson, we take pride in engineering solutions that support world-class infrastructure projects. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with JFK Millennium Partners, JV on the highly anticipated JFK Terminal 6 redevelopment—a $4.2 billion transformation that will redefine the airport experience for millions of travelers.
As part of this exciting project, we fabricated 114 engineered disc bearings, which were installed on six different bridges by New York City Constructors, LLC. These bearings are the silent workhorses of the terminal, designed to support massive vertical loads and absorb movement, ensuring the longevity and resilience of key transportation infrastructure.
Building a Terminal for the Future
Set to open in phases between 2026 and 2028, the new 1.2-million-square-foot Terminal 6will feature:
✅ 10 state-of-the-art gates
✅ 100,000+ square feet of dining and retail options
✅ Advanced TSA security screening technology
✅ A modern U.S. customs facility
✅ Five premium airline lounges, including a new arrivals lounge
✅ The longest departure curb at JFK for smoother traffic flow
With JetBlue and Lufthansa calling Terminal 6 home, this project is all about elevating the passenger experience—whether it’s a seamless check-in, a relaxing pre-flight lounge, or a smooth arrival process.
Engineering for Strength, Stability, and Performance
Behind the scenes, our RJ Watson disc bearings play a crucial role in keeping the terminal’s infrastructure strong and durable. Designed to handle vertical loads from 120 kips to 2,341 kips, our bearings ensure the bridges leading to and from Terminal 6 can withstand daily wear and tear from constant traffic.
Some of the biggest engineering challenges we tackled included:
🔹 Bearings designed to resist uplift service loads
🔹 Column bearings supporting integral pier caps with stacked bearing systems for roadway support.
🔹 Fixed-expansion bearings with guide bars on all four sides, allowing for controlled movement while maintaining stability.
Proud to Be Part of JFK’s Next Chapter
At RJ Watson, we love seeing our expertise in action—especially in projects that will have such a lasting impact on millions of travelers. As Terminal 6 takes shape, we’re honored to play a part in building the future of JFK, supporting infrastructure that keeps people moving safely and efficiently.
Stay tuned as we continue to support transformative transportation projects across the country!
