Runway 10-28 Rehabilitation Project

The Port of Skagit has issued a call for bids for construction of the Runway 10-28 Crown Conversion and Longitudinal Gradient Adjustment project. The engineer’s estimate for the work is $10 million, and the bid opening is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 24 at the port offices.

The project is the second in a series of two improvement projects on Runway 10-28 to bring the surface to Federal Aviation Administration pavement standards for a D-II runway (accommodating aircraft with approach speeds 121 up to 166 knots and wingspans up to 79 feet). Precision Approach Engineering designed the project and is providing project oversight.

The first phase, completed last summer, repaired soft spots in the runway by replacing the failed drainage system. Interwest Construction Inc., Burlington, WA, was the contractor for the $2.5 million project.

The 2012 construction work will bring the longitudinal gradient at Runway 28 into compliance with standards for Approach Category C & D aircraft and will convert the surface of the runway to a crown section to meet current FAA standards. To see an overview of the Phase Two project, CLICK HERE.

The 2012 project will include the following major elements:

•          The east end of the runway will be raised by approximately five feet, and drainage infrastructure will be installed under this portion.

•          The surface of the runway will be paved with multiple asphalt lifts to create the crown configuration. Connector taxiways will be graded and paved to meet the new grades.

•          Taxiway B will be realigned to form a 90-degree approach to the runway and a straight connection to Taxiway G. The run-up apron will be relocated to the inside of Taxiway B to be compatible with future development of the adjacent lot.

•          The Runway 10-28 lighting system will be replaced with an updated system.

•          The airport signage system will be replaced.

The project will make Skagit Regional Airport more compatible with larger business jets that already are operating on Runway 10-28. Operations of these aircraft exceeded 300 in 2010 and are increasing. The Airport Master Plan trend analysis indicates that operations of larger business jets will reach 500 per year in the next three to eight years.

2012 Project Information

Project Timeframes

Significant project timeframes are as follows:

 • Bids for the project will be opened at 2 p.m. May 24 at the port offices.

• The construction contract likely will be awarded by June 1.

• Details of construction scheduling will be worked out after the contractor is on board.

 How to get information during construction

Once the project is under way, you will be able to receive current updates on the project and upcoming runway closures from the following sources:

•  Check NOTAMs.
• Check the AWOS at frequency121.125 or on the phone at (360) 757-7767.
• On the web at http://www.portofskagit.com/skagit-regional-airport/runway-10-28-rehabilitation/
• Email the port at posc@portofskagit.com to be added to the information list.
• Check with an FBO.
• Check with the Skagit Airport Support Association at www.skagitsasa.org.

 Airport Procedures During Construction

The following airport procedures will be observed during construction for the safety of pilots and construction crews on the ground:

 Closing Runway

• Contractor will make radio calls at 10 and 5 minutes prior to closing any runway on CTAF frequency 123.075
• Contractor will visually clear runway and call runway closed at closure time listed in NOTAM.
• Once runway is closed, Contractor will deploy lighted or fabric closure crosses and turn off runway lighting and visual approach aids. Beacon, wind cone, and AWOS will remain on when only one runway is closed. Only AWOS will stay on during closure of both runways.

 Closure of Both Runways

• Taxiway and ramp areas not closed for construction will be open to rotorcraft (helicopter) operations at the pilot’s discretion at all times. When both Runway 10-28 and Runway 04-22 are closed simultaneously, no fixed wing aircraft will be allowed to arrive or depart from the airport. Taxiways, medians, or shoulders are not to be used for arrivals or departures of fixed wing aircraft at any time.

 Opening Runway

• Prior to opening a runway, the contractor will stop all work, remove all materials and equipment from the area, conduct a sweep of the runway and taxiways to remove any FOD, restore power to the runway lights and visual approach aids, and remove runway closure crosses.
• A VHF radio call on the CTAF frequency (123.075) will be issued when the runway has been opened.  If pilots are planning to depart promptly after a runway closure, they must wait to hear the announcement.  This is very important for everyone’s safety. If you think you might have missed the call and believe the runway to be open, place a call to the FBO to see if they can confirm that the runway has been opened. The Contractor will also have a VHF hand held radio tuned to the CTAF frequency and you may call them directly to discern the status. In all cases, safety must take precedence. If you haven't received a positive clearance from a credible source and you can't confirm that the runway is open, do not use the runway.
• Skagit Regional Airport’s AWOS time will be the standard for time throughout construction. The AWOS can be listened to on frequency121.125 or on the phone at (360) 757-7767. Please set your watch to AWOS time.

 Following Construction

When construction is complete, expect to see the following:

•  The surface of Runway 10-28 will be restored to a smooth surface with non-precision instrument markings appearing as marked prior to construction.
• Runway edge lights in the last 2,000 feet of Runway 10-28 will appear yellow during approach to form a caution zone for landings. See Section 2-4-1 b. of the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual for additional information. 
• Runway 04-22 will be returned to the original 3,000-foot length with thresholds at the pre-construction position.
• New sections of wildlife exclusion fencing will be installed along a portion of the west side of Taxiway F and along Higgins Airport Way between Corporate Air Center and Crosswinds Drive. Fencing will be 8 feet high with an additional 1-foot barbed wire extension.

 EMERGENCY CONTACTS DURING CONSTRUCTION

 Emergency:                                                      911

Airport Office:                                                  (360) 757-0011

Airport Duty Phone – After Hours Line:           (360) 630-7131

Whatcom Security:                                           (360) 428-2777