b'84 FSMRUNWAYSConstruction lasted 17 months, running from April 2022 to A new medium-intensity approach lighting system with runwaySeptember 2023. During much of that time, Runway 26 was alignment indicator lights was installed at the end of Runway 26.reduced by 2,000 feet to create a safety buffer for workers. Even so, crews were acutely aware of ongoing operations, especially by large cargo aircraft. Sometimes, C-130 planes used the runway to practice landings and takeoffs, Maurer says. Their size made it seem like you could reach out and touch them.While crews removed and relocated NAVAIDS, medium-intensity approach light systems with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR), instrument landing systems (ILS) and precision approach path indicators (PAPIs), pilots were limited to making only visual approaches, which meant that some planes had to divert to other airports during bad weather. Occasionally, the airport shut down entirely at night for PAPI work.Throughout construction, Halff held weekly online conference calls to keep airport stakeholders informed about the progress of key phases. Participants usually removed about 400,000 cubic yards of rocks and other material.included airport officials; the general contractor and various Instead of trucking it off-site, they relocated it to another part ofsubcontractors; city and state officials; and FAA personnel.the airfield, which was then resodded to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. May | June 2025AirportImprovement.com'