Future Improvements at Aberdeen Regional Airport Could Include Longer Runways, Terminal Expansion

Nov. 4, 2020

Nov. 3—The next 15 to 20 years could include significant enhancements at Aberdeen Regional Airport, from longer runways to an expanded terminal or parking area.

Those were just some of the ideas shared at the open house last week during which details of the airport's next master plan were discussed.

Helms and Associates of Aberdeen has been working with Mead and Hunt to develop the master plan and layout plan for the airport. They identify potential future projects, but don't set a timeline for the completion of the proposed work.

The master plan ultimately goes to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval. Having items on it allows the airport to move forward with design and planning and apply for federal funding, which covers 90% of costs.

In an open house earlier this year, Rob Sims, Mead and Hunt airport planner, said the 50-seat commercial flights, like the ones that currently leave and arrive at the airport twice a day, will eventually be replaced with larger jets. The change will be made as airports move toward higher-efficiency jets to offset volatile swings in fuel prices.

At the first open house, Helms & Associates engineer Brooke Edgar said there's no indication that's going to happen any time soon, but Aberdeen can accommodate larger, 76-seat jets on most days. The length of runway needed for a commercial flight varies depending on temperature, she said. When it's hotter, more runway is required.

Aberdeen's longer runway can handle 90% of flights, and it's shorter one 70% of flights, she said.

Tuesday, Edgar outlined a variety of work that could be planned at the airport to account for future growth starting with runway modifications.

She presented three options for runway 13-31, which is the airport's northwest-southeast runway and the primary runway. It is currently 100 feet wide and 6,900 feet long. Edgar said planners could leave the runway as it is; remove pavement from the northwest end and add pavement to the southeast end, lengthening the surface to 7,000 feet; or remove pavement on the northwest end and add pavement on the southeast end extending it to 7,800 feet. The extension to 7,800 feet would also include adding 50 feet of width.

Edgar said removing pavement from the northwest end of the runway moves the runway protection zone onto airport property. That was already done on runway 17-35.

Planners also looked at runway 17-35, which is the north-south runway. That runway is 100 feet wide and 5,500 feet long. Plans propose extending that runway to 6,100 feet. Edgar said that would use all available land at the airport.

Other suggested projects include more taxi lanes for the area used by agriculture spraying companies. Edgar said that would alleviate congestion concerns in that area. The plan also outlines spaces available for additional general aviation hangars and identifies potential taxi lanes that might be needed with future growth. She said current taxi lanes can accommodate 11 more hangars, but there is additional space available for future growth and expansion.

A separate cargo ramp, apron and space is also proposed. Following the presentation, Sims said that cargo area would create division between general aviation and cargo operations.

Edgar said expansion of the building used for storage of snow removal equipment is also a possibility. While land is available to the north or south, she said, the more feasible option is to the north. The expansion is needed for storage of equipment attachments that currently sit outside, she said, and future equipment needs.

Also included in the proposal is expansion of the parking area at the airport and expansion of the terminal. Edgar said a bigger terminal would be needed to accommodate larger commercial aircraft and fully automated baggage scanners for the Transportation Security Administration.

While priorities for future projects continue to change, she said the most likely next project is expansion of the storage area for snow removal equipment.

Follow ElisaSand_AAN on Twitter.

___

(c)2020 the American News (Aberdeen, S.D.)

Visit the American News (Aberdeen, S.D.) at www.aberdeennews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.