b'50 STJ RUNWAYSIncreased runway capacity can boost safety by reducingfrequently is nice, especially whenever its supporting military the need for aircraft to wait in the air or on the ground, therebymissions and tasks, Rice says. This expanded capability lowering the risk of accidents and improving traffic flow. For thepositions the airport as a more versatile asset for the military. airport and surrounding economy, the new runway can lead toThe improved runway is not just a benefit for current airport users increased revenues from additional flights, passengers and cargobut also a sign to potential new tenants and operators that STJ operations, Phillips adds.takes proactive steps toward further growth and modernization.The new runway at STJ has been met with praise from tenants and military personnel alike. General aviation aircraft can now useKeys to Successthe full width of the runway without fear of damage, and militaryLike many projects, the runway reconstruction at STJ benefited operations have benefited from a smoother, stronger surface.from clear, consistent communication. Weekly meetings with the They love that they dont have to worry about the heaves and theairport team, the Air National Guard, Woolpert and Ideker helped rough spots, and weve seen a lot fewer blown tires from peoplekeep the project on schedule. Just knowing ahead of time what that didnt know to avoid the center line, Rice remarks. was coming helped, Rice notes, so there werent any surprises The recently completed project will allow the 139th Airlift Wingfrom any of the applicable organizations on the airport. to continue operations for years to come. Our aircrews andNeil, from the 139th Airlift Wing, notes that effective maintainers are flying and maintaining our C-130 Hercules aircraftcommunication minimized concerns and allowed for the quick every week, Crane comments. We support missions acrossresolution of issues that arose during planning and construction. the country and across the world. In August, several aircraftGiven the dual-use nature of the runway for both military and departed for an overseas deployment and one left to participate incivilian aircraft, constant communication was maintained between an exercise in India. all parties involved in the project, including the airport, engineering One of the most significant changes at STJ is the ability toand construction teams, as well as the FAA and National Guard accommodate larger/heavier military aircraft. Previously, a C-17Bureau, he says. This allows for any unique challenges or was the heaviest aircraft Runway 17-35 could accept, but theconsiderations that may arise during the project to be resolved in new runway can accommodate C-5sand one landed at STJa satisfactory manner.this August. To be able to support planes that dont come hereShutting down even part of a runway causes significant disruption for its users, acknowledges Joe Pestka, vice president of SCHIBECI Woolpert and program director for the STJ project. You try to work with the contractor, PP600 MICRO PLANER work with the tenants in terms of keeping the Stripe & Marking Removal System disruption at a minimum, to where they can still conduct business, Pestka says. YoureJOE PESTKANO GHOST LINES | NO TRACE trying to hurry upas much as you canand HIGH PRODUCTION RATES | LOW OPERATING COST complete the project as quickly as possible, so they can get back to normal operation. Crane, from the Missouri Air National Guard, emphasizes the importance of collaborating with the community. The 139th Airlift Wing enjoys great partnerships with the city of St. Joseph and Rosecrans Memorial Airport, he says. We have great support from the community, and that support bolsters our efforts to keep doing what we dofly airplanes and serve the people of Missouri and the U.S.Leaders from Woolpert praise the general contractor for its flexibility to accommodate National Guard operations during the runway reconstruction. The Ideker team coordinated with the Guard, city, Missouri Department of Transportation, FAA and subcontractors to align schedules and manage potential impacts. Despite ongoing construction, the Guard continued using the airport for C-130 practice drops, which required shutting down haul roads. Ideker worked hand-in-hand with the Guard, Scherr reports, highlighting how the contractor adjusted paving and truck traffic to avoid disruptions.Sold by: Woolpert helped by having three team members on site for the Mecom Equipment LLC | 209.466.5135 | mecomsales@aol.com runway work, and Scherr moved to St. Joseph for the eight-FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SCHIBECI.COMNovember | December 2024AirportImprovement.com'