Project Overview
Rifenburg Construction completed an update to Plattsburgh International Airport Runway 17-35. Following a previous project on the north end of the runway, two thirds of the runway remained concrete and required additional rehabilitation. The project involved rubberizing and rolling 1.53 miles of runway over 230,000 square yards, prior to paving. Additional work included full-depth reconstruction over utilities and at tie-ins, as well as extensive subgrade preparation and modifications to airfield lighting. The runway was paved using a wide paving package to achieve a 25-foot lane width, with production exceeding 3,000 tons per day. Post-construction activities were also completed to ensure full operational readiness.
CHALLENGE
The project was divided into two phases. During the first phase, Rifenburg needed to pave 3,700 linear feet of runway and reopen it for air traffic. The runway was closed while base work was completed, with just 65 calendar days allocated for this phase. After paving, a 24-hour consecutive closure was required to install a displaced threshold once smoothness was confirmed within tolerance. All of this was completed during the height of COVID-19, adding unprecedented logistical and safety challenges beyond a typical runway project.
SOLUTION
The team developed a comprehensive plan that prioritized worker safety during COVID-19 while keeping operations on schedule. Careful planning with extensive lead times ensured all resources and steps were coordinated. For the critical 24-hour shutdown, an hour-by-hour execution plan was created, allowing the team to complete the work precisely on time.
RESULT
The project was successfully completed on time and under budget, exceeding the client’s expectations. Despite the unique challenges including tight timelines, extensive planning requirements, and COVID-19 restrictions- the team worked seamlessly together to deliver a high-quality, safe, and efficient project. The collaboration, precision, and dedication of the Rifenburg team resulted in a successful runway upgrade that met all performance and safety standards, leaving the client thoroughly satisfied.
