Several airports in the northern part of Alaska have airport construction projects scheduled this summer. According to the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, they include the following:
• Nome Safety Area Improvements for Runway 03-21 and Runway 10-28. The runway safety areas are the surface surrounding the runway which can be used in the event of an "undershoot, overshoot or excursion from the runway." The current project will expand the existing safety areas to meet current standards and also remove obstructions. Construction began last month and is scheduled to be completed next year.
• Kotzebue Airport and Safety Area Improvements continue from 2013. This includes a series of projects from extension of the runway embankments to construction of a boat launch to the repair of apron cracks and installation of security fencing and gates. All construction is scheduled to be completed this year.
• Deadhorse Airport Rehabilitation, which began in 2012 will be completed this year. The runway, taxiways, and apron are to be rehabilitated and resurfaced and the airport lighting system replaced. The project is scheduled to be completed this year.
• Ambler Airport Rehabilitation starts this year and includes multiple projects such as the lengthening and widening of runway 01-19, rehabilitation and resurfacing of runway 10-28, installation of airport lighting and navigational aids and realignment of the airport access road to accommodate the new runway safety area. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2016.
There are also projects going to bid in 2014:
• The Barrow Runway Resurfacing project will include runway surface variation (a bump) near the threshold of Runway 07. The bid estimate is for $2.5 to $5 million with construction planned in 2015.
• The Shishmaref Airport Resurfacing project will include rehabilitation and resurfacing of the runway, taxiway and apron. The airport lighting system will be replaced and the snow fence repaired. DOT estimates a bid of $5 to $10 million with construction planned in 2015.
Alaska Business Monthly has a roundup of other airport projects across the state.
DOT also continues to work with the Federal Aviation Administration to resolve the issue of potential obstacles in many rural airports. Last year the state was facing multiple closures to night and instrument operations in such airports due to changes in FAA policy concerning clearance areas for airport approaches. Potential obstacles to be removed included trees, buildings, cell towers, etc. Initially the FAA required survey data on airports to make certain obstructions did not exist. As those surveys cost $250,00 to $400,000 each, the potential for over 100 airports being negatively affected due to lack of survey funds was a possibility. Discussions on the survey requirements with the FAA in Alaska have continued however and according to spokeswoman Meadow Bailey, DOT has "...set aside funds for surveys statewide and once the extent of the required survey is resolved, we'll begin the process."
Contact Colleen Mondor at colleen(at)alaskadispatch.com.