2001 Airport Construction Projects Begin May 19, 2001

<< Back to News & Statistics

---

A number of airport improvement projects began last week at Hector International Airport. The $5.8 million airport construction contract was awarded to Nodak Contracting from Grand Forks, ND.

During construction slight delays may be encountered due to the closure of certain portions of the airport. Northwest Airlines and United Express added a few additional minutes to their schedules to allow for additional taxiing time. This should not have any impact on the connection times for passengers in Minneapolis, Chicago or Denver.

The entire improvement entails numerous projects around the airport including:

 

• The east/west runway 08/26 and taxiway 'C' will be extended 1,915 feet to the west-side of the airport.
  
• A portion of taxiway 'A' will be reconstructed to allow it to be used as a runway in 2004 when runway 17/35 is planned to be reconstructed.
  
• A perimeter road will be completed from the air cargo ramp to the passenger terminal ramp. This will eliminate airport service vehicles from having to drive on the runways and taxiways to get to the different areas of the airport.
  
• Cass County Drain 10 will be rerouted on airport property to allow the extension of the runway.
  
• Runway guard lights will be installed on runway 08/26 at taxiway 'A ' and 'B'. This will help deter aircraft and vehicles from inadvertently crossing the runway.
  
• Runway 08/26 will be grooved once the runway extension is complete. The grooving process allows water to better drain from the runway and also improves the braking action of aircraft.
  
• Arm/disarm ramps will be constructed for the North Dakota Air National Guard. These ramps, one on north and south side of the airport, will allow the ANG to service the F-16 aircraft in close proximity to the runway prior to departing and after arriving. This portion is funded entirely by the NDANG.

This project was initially scheduled to be completed over a two-year time period (2001-2001) but should be completed by this October. The project is funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, Municipal Airport Authority, State of North Dakota, and North Dakota Air National Guard.