b'RUNWAYS AVL29Originally, the crossing guards were outfitted with handheldRounding Thirdradios and protective gear; but the project team quickly learnedWith the first three phases of the project completed on schedule that they needed additional tools to be the most effective.and within budget, the team was entering the home stretchor Specifications for subsequent phases included small guardso they thought. Phase 4paving and electrical for the permanent shacks that protected personnel from the elements yet enabledrunwaywas supposed to be finished in 2017. But a series of them to maintain situational awareness through windows andissues, which required the Authority to bring in the surety, caused radios. Shacks were equipped with power sources for the radios.the final phase to fall three years behind schedule.One of the most challenging aspects of Phase 3 came whenIt turns out that the FAAs requirement to execute the project the installation of the Medium-Intensity Approach Light Systemas four separate projects had created a huge challenge. We had with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights (MALSR) system andto bid each project separately, and depending on work demand localizers was moved up from Phase 4. Essentially, crews installedin the region, we didnt necessarily get the same contractor for those systems to a runway that didnt exist. We had to really beeach of the four phases, Bleiweis explains. That created a lack of involved boots on the ground with very tight survey control, Lodercontinuity and accountability from phase to phase.recalls. When you complete one project with one surveyor, and then bring in a second contractor to build to another surveyorsWith different contractors doing different work on different control, thats typically a recipe for trouble. But with closephases, the situation was rife with potential for finger-pointing. coordination between RS&H, the airport and the contractors, theIf something goes wrong, which phase did it happen in? Which project team set benchmarks and control points in the field thatcontractor would be responsible? Bleiweis relates. Coordinating enabled them to make sure the survey control stayed constantand completing punchlists for work completed by separate and was verified each year. I will say, it was a relief when we finallycontractors through each phase added additional headaches to paved the permanent runway, I stood on the centerline and all thean already complicated program. Having one contractor during the MALSR lights lined up, he acknowledges, only half-jokingly. whole project could have saved a lot of those issues, he adds. AirportImprovement.comJuly | August 2022'