b'96 IND RUNWAYSwe had to present final plans to the FAA by June 2018, as part ofBefore construction started in May 2019, the biggest challenge the application process to get the federal grant needed, was to make sure that all pavement strengths would be consistent Worley recalls.and FAA-compliant, for both the runway and its connectors. With no time to spare, Hanson evaluated various pavementWhen we did our original analysis of all the pavements, it was structures by performing visual inspections, researching historicalreadily obvious that the runway and its connectors all had different analysis and record drawings, taking pavement cores and soiltypes of pavement structure, Worley explains. We emphasized to borings, and completing an extensive geotechnical evaluation.the contractor that we needed FAA-approved material standards The firm also developed phasing plans to minimize the impact ofand that everything had to be consistent.construction on airport operations. The 3 Cs Worley notes that special considerations for the projectWith Runway 14-32 needing to close for several months during included understanding and evaluating the varied age andconstruction, Berlen and other operations personnel emphasized material structure of the runway and taxiway pavements,the need to accommodate airport stakeholders. We met with all implementing new FAA taxiway connector design standards,of our tenants, and kept most taxiways open, he relates. We minimizing impact on high profile front door tenants andunderstood that we needed to maintain access for them. Not all optimizing and modernizing airfield electrical improvements. taxiways stayed open, but there were enough so planes could get The expedited effort to prepare the design plans paid off.to main runways to take off and land. Air traffic control and airlines The FAA approved INDs grant application in late 2018, whichhad access to alternative runways and taxiways all the time.allowed Hanson and airport officials to solicit bids from potentialWork was scheduled and executed in several phases to contractors. Milestone secured the role of lead contractor andminimize disruption on the airfield. McMichael notes that the subcontracted Hoosier for the electrical work.strategy of closing various taxiways during different periods AIRPORT PROJECTS. WEVE GOT YOU COVERED NEW LED TECHNOLOGYRUNWAY CLOSURE MARKERSLONG LASTING LED | FAA CERTIFIED | MADE IN AMERICA Low Profile Barricade No Tools NeededRunway Closure Markers800.525.8876 | SHERWININDUSTRIESINC.COMMay | June 2022AirportImprovement.com'