So far, so smooth, with airport runway work
One week after commencing construction work on the main runway at Medicine Hat Airport, the project is on schedule.
“There are some items that we’re ahead of schedule. It can always be impacted very quickly by weather but overall I would say we are on schedule,” said Carlie Collier, project engineer, municipal works.
On Monday May 7 at 7 a.m. the airport runways were closed and construction work commenced on what is expected to take three weeks to rehabilitate the main runway and taxiway pavement surfaces.
Work is taking place on site 24/7, said Collier.
All the asphalt was lifted and removed by late last week. This week crews continue work on storm pipes.
“They’ve completed two crossings already and are starting on the third one. That is something that is moving ahead of schedule...,” said Collier.
A base of gravel has been placed on most of the runway and is currently being graded, said Collier. Paving is expected to start within days.
The rain experienced last week did not affect operations.
“We were still finishing off milling at that time as well as we were placing gravel so we always need some amount of moisture to get your correct moisture conditioning. So it didn’t slow us down at all,” said Collier.
A week ago crews were cutting sections of the concrete surfaces to be removed at each end of the main runway. Some of the new concrete surfaces are complete with more pouring taking place Monday.
The airport runway was built in 1964 and has not had a major resurfacing in more than 20 years. This project is expected to cost $12.9 million and is covered by a federal grant.
Unless there is significant weather that hampers progress, the work should be complete by May 30 and the airport reopened on June 1.
While the airport runway is closed for the rest of May, helicopters can still operate at the airport and some businesses are also still operating there. Front Porch Classics, the restaurant at the airport, and car rental companies are open. Air Canada also has staff on site to answer questions.
The Alberta fixed-wing air ambulance service will continue to operate using STARS helicopters for criticallyill patients out of Medicine Hat.
The fixed-wing air ambulance will operate for urgent cases by sending an aircraft down from Calgary to Bow Island where patients will be taken by road ambulance.