Solution
Burns & McDonnell was selected to perform design, bidding and construction services for the Runway 14-32 project. From project initiation to construction closeout, we worked with the city of Dodge City every step of the way, including assisting with the capital improvement program to working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on project funding and to justify the runway’s length.
We analyzed how aircraft use the runway to determine the appropriate length to propose to the FAA.
Based on our recommendation, the FAA approved the runway length justification to maintain the runway at 6,899 feet long and 100 feet wide.
New 8-inch Portland cement concrete pavement on a 6-inch aggregate base with a stabilized subgrade was determined to be the most suitable foundation for the runway. The design also included regrading the runway safety areas to meet current FAA standards, along with providing drainage upgrades. Runway electrical items were updated with new LED medium-intensity lights, signage and end identifier lights.
Throughout the duration of the project, three different essential air service companies utilized the airport. This entailed working with companies during the design process to determine the necessary length of runway for their aircraft and configuring a new design for construction phasing each time to meet their needs. Our team coordinated with the airlines of the airport that use the runway to provide a construction phased design with a displaced threshold. This allowed airport operations to continue during construction of the south portion of the main runway through the intersection with the crosswind Runway 2-20.
Construction took place in two phases over two years with separate FAA grants. Our team coordinated the initial award of the project with the contractor, followed by assisting the city in preparation of a supplemental agreement to add the second phase to the contract after additional funding was awarded by the FAA.
