HNTB Submits Final Design For Runway Safety Improvements At Los Angeles International Airport

Feb. 4, 2014
Design will bring LAX Runway 7L-25R into compliance with FAA safety standards in advance of 2015 deadline

LOS ANGELES  – HNTB Corporation recently submitted final design for runway safety area improvements for Runway 7L-25R at Los Angeles International Airport. The project has been advertised for bid by potential contractors. Construction is anticipated to start in April 2014 and last 16 months.

Runway 7L-25R is the longest runway at LAX. It was last rehabilitated in 1980 and is used by the majority of heavy, long-haul carriers departing to Asia.

“As demonstrated by delivery of our design for Runway 7L-25R RSA Project and other ongoing work, Los Angeles World Airports continues to be a foundation client for HNTB,” said Tony Fermelia, PE, HNTB project manager. “The construction phasing and sequencing for this project was designed to temporarily shorten Runway 7L-25R, which allows for the majority of the construction to be completed without a full runway closure. This allows LAX to depart the majority of the aircraft using the runway without significant impacts the current operations.”

This project will bring Runway 7L-25R into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards and enhances operational safety on the south airfield at LAX. The project is eligible for 75 percent reimbursement from the FAA, which is working to fulfill a congressional mandate that all runway safety areas at commercial service airports — such as LAX — be brought into compliance with standards by 2015.

HNTB’s design provides for multiple safety improvements, including paving of 832 feet of additional runway and 1,000 feet of a graded safety area off the runway end. Also included was design for construction of a new taxiway connector Taxiway B-17; relocation of the FAA’s instrument approach lighting and localizer antenna array to a position outside of the critical runway safety area; modifications to runway status lights; and several other improvements to bring the runway into FAA compliance.

HNTB’s work in California dates back to its founding in 1914. Today HNTB continues to grow in size and service offerings to clients in California from eight office locations, currently employing more than 350 full-time professionals. HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program delivery and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.