Problem Solvers

This multi-phased project consists of a substantial list of runway improvements to upgrade and update pavement and lighting, as well as correct drainage issues that had evolved over the years since the runways were last resurfaced. Specifically, the scope of this project involves rehabilitation of the existing westerly 2,500 feet of Runway 9-27 pavement, rehabilitation of the pavement at the intersection of Runways 9-27 and 5-23, repaint Runway 9-27, removal and replacement of surface painted hold bar signs, overlay shoulders of the westerly 2,500 feet of 9-27, removal of existing runway edge lights on Runway 9-27 and replacement with new LED runway edge lights, removal of existing distance remaining signs on Runway 9-27 and replacement with new LED distance remaining lights. Surface rehabilitation consists of milling and resurfacing the intersection of Runways 9-27 and 5-23, plus the westerly 2,500 feet and easterly 400 feet of Runway 9-27. Standing water in the intersection that didn’t immediately run off took considerably longer to evaporate following rainfall events, and was considered a potential hazard. Resurfacing of this area with tight grade control standards solved this problem. This phased project posed interesting challenges with MOT in order to avoid shutting down the entire airport while work was underway. In addition to working closely with airport staff to ensure NAVAIDS impacts were coordinated with FAA and applicable NOTAMS issued, a detailed Construction Safety Phasing Plan (CSPP) was implemented utilizing a phased scheme of lighted runway closure markers, temporarily modified runway signs and lighting, displaced thresholds, and temporary pavement markings allowed work to strategically take place while parts of Runway 9-27 and 5-23 were alternately closed to air traffic during construction.

Taxiway H is located on the northwest side of the airfield and connects directly to TWY G on the north side of TWY A. This was the first phase in the realignment of taxiways serving the areas west of the existing terminal building. Also, TWY J (currently known as TWY G1/L) is the westernmost taxiway connection from RWY 5-23 and 9-27 toward the FBO and Terminal Areas. The primary focus of this realignment was to address the TWY G1/L/A bottleneck issues, what the FAA identified as a “Hot Spot”. From an operational perspective, the current alignments of both Taxiways H and J are seen as a problem area for both aircraft and ground vehicles using the airport. Controllers routinely identify these areas as a spot for potential runway incursions as they have direct paths across TWY A to RWY 9-27 and 5-23, continually having to keep watch over the direct north/south route through the active runway. These projects corrected these configurations. Also, terminal area ramp expansions were designed to accommodate the growing needs of the airport.

The project satisfied SWFWMD requirements for water quality and water quality requirements, creating one pond to serve each of the two taxiways (TWY H and J) being affected. Currently, there exists a series of stormwater management facilities to accommodate the TWY A system that was permitted and built under the AIP 16/17 (completed in 1998) at the airport. Since this existing pond will be affected by the TWY H realignment, those impacts will require equitable replacement volumes to current day SWFWMD criteria for the AIP 16/17 project. This newly shaped Regional Pond will accommodate the permitting requirements for both the TWY H and J realignments in accordance with SWFWMD criteria and also accomplish storage requirements for the majority of existing and proposed airfield improvements north of Runway 9-27. Scope included preparing grant applications, budget tracking, design, OAR, RPR services, FAA quarterly reports and record drawings.