$200M runway overhaul takes flight at city airport
Work took off Thursday to completely overhaul and replace the west runway at Calgary International Airport, breathing new life into the aging infrastructure.
Laura Samson, director of infrastructure for the Calgary Airport Authority, said after many years of safe and efficient operations, “all good things must come to an end.”
The approximately $200-million West Runway Rehabilitation project will be funded by $57.5 million through the federal Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, with the remaining $142.5 million funded by the Calgary Airport Authority.
“Today's announcement marks the beginning of a significant investment in both our airport and region,” Calgary Airport Authority CEO Chris Dinsdale said in a news release.
The project includes replacing the runway's existing pavement structure, upgrading its electrical fixtures to LED and improving drainage systems, while improving supporting infrastructure, such as taxiways and aircraft movement surfaces.
Constructed in phases starting in 1939, the surface of the west runway (17R-35L) has been restored multiple times over 80 years to prolong its life. Airport-led studies in recent years determined the runway is nearing the end of its life cycle.
“A structure built in 1939 is past its useful life and becomes quite costly to maintain,” Samson said.
New runway end safety areas are also included in the project to comply with regulatory requirements. Samson said 80 per cent of existing runway materials — such as asphalt, concrete and gravel — are to be recycled and reused.
Once complete, the new runway will be a Category 2, an upgrade from the current Category 1, which Samson said helps pilots with low-visibility operations.
NO EFFECT ON FLIGHT SCHEDULES
Samson said the airport has been working for five years planning the shutdown and consulting with users at all levels, from airlines to commercial carriers.
“We've worked really close with them to ensure we have enough capacity to suit their commercial needs,” she said.
For passengers, she said there should be no effect on flight schedules, or the ability to bring flights in and out of the city.
Those on the ground, particularly in communities around the airport, will see slight changes.
“Folks that live mostly northwest of the airport will be seeing a little bit more traffic over their homes,” she said.
Work is expected to take two construction seasons, with the new runway open for full service by the end of 2025.
After this year's construction season is over, the runway will return to service in December for Category 1 operations through the winter.
In January, PCL Construction was named manager for the project, which will create an estimated 300 temporary jobs.
“The benefits of this investment will be felt for decades to come, supporting the requirements of modern aircraft, the increased demand for passenger and cargo transportation,” said Chris Miles, COO of the Calgary Airport Authority.
Dinsdale said, “This project is just one of many we're undertaking to ensure we are continuing to meet the needs of the people of this region and serving as an economic driver both today and for decades to come.”
PROJECT COSTS HAVE INCREASED
Announced in 2021, the project was originally quoted at $115 million. The rising costs can be attributed to many factors, notably inflation and supply chain delays, said Samson.
She said “additional scope” was also added in the form of sustainability measures and operational efficiencies to build a better asset for the long term.
“The price of things, generally, only goes up. It was a project that we knew we would need to undertake at some moment in time.”
The Calgary International Airport welcomed 18.5 million passengers in 2023 and is forecast to soar to 23 million by 2028, according to Miles.
“This is significant growth, but through projects like this we will be ready,” Miles said.