Taxiway Upgrade To Close Spokane Airport's Main Runway

Sept. 2, 2014
New 'high-speed exits' are built diagonally between the runway and terminal apron to allow aircraft to move more quickly toward the terminals after landing, saving time and fuel.

Sept. 01--Taxiway construction at Spokane International Airport has reached a stage at which the contractor needs to move into the main runway's safety zone.

As a result, the airport will close the main runway Tuesday morning through Sept. 23.

A contractor is finishing construction of new "high-speed exits" commonly used in airports today. Those taxiways are built diagonally between the runway and terminal apron to allow aircraft to move more quickly toward the terminals after landing, saving time and fuel.

Closing the main runway means that planes will be using the alternate runway. That brings planes into the airport from over the South Hill when the wind is blowing from the west as well as departing from the airport when the wind blows from the east.

William Winkler Co., of Spokane, is doing the work under a $12 million contract.

The closure of the main runway is required because the work is within the safety zone that extends 250 feet on either side of the runway center line.

The alternate runway, at 8,199 feet in length, is usable this time of year because cooler temperatures allow for shorter takeoffs under full loads.

The main runway is 11,002 feet long.

During the week of Sept. 24, the airport may close the main runway during nighttime hours.

Work on the taxiways started in 2013 and will continue with a final phase next year.

Last month, the Spokane Airport Board approved a $7.8 million contract with Acme Concrete Paving Inc., of Spokane, to complete the taxiway construction.

Acme had bid on the initial contract for the work but lost in the competition with Winkler.

Ninety percent of the work is being financed through the Federal Aviation Administration's airport improvement program, which is derived from ticket fees.

The 10 percent local match comes from Spokane airport proceeds generated by parking, concessions and other income.

Deficiencies in the former taxiway configuration were identified during the airport's recent master plan.

"The reconfiguration of the taxiways will enhance the safety, efficiency and overall usability of the airfield by providing taxiway designs that meet current FAA standards," an airport news release stated last week.