Project kick-off Sunday, July 11th @ 9:00pm

We met with the FAA and the contractors for the Runway 6-24 rehabilitation project at the New River Valley Airport (KPSK), and we expect to get our notice to proceed work on Sunday, July 11th.

The contractor is beginning to set up equipment and we are excited to get the project started.

From our discussions with the contractor, based on a best case scenario, no bad weather or mechanical delays, the runway and taxiway closure would look something like this:

Sunday, July 11th - Tuesday, July 20th.

• Runway 6-24 will be closed from 9:00pm until 7:00am daily for nighttime work. The runway will re-open at 7:00am. portions of Taxiway Alpha will be closed for part of this time.

Wednesday, July 21st - Thursday, August 5th

• Runway 6-24 will be closed to all traffic for repaving. Taxiway Alpha and Bravo will be closed. Helicopter traffic will be permitted on the ramp.

This schedule is the best case scenario of no bad weather or other project delays. The date of the full-time runway closure could shift back by a few days depending on how the nighttime closures work progresses.

Sometime in late August or early September, we will have a few additional nighttime closures for the final runway markings and pavement grooving. Additional work by be done on a nighttime closures basis to wrap up a few loose ends in August.

We will keep the blog updated with information as it becomes available, so feel free to either subscribe to updates or follow the status on the blog. As a reminder, please check NOTAM's prior to flying.

Why Can't We Use the Taxiway as a Runway?

Many pilots recall that the last time the runway was closed for construction that day VFR takeoff and landing operations were permitted on the taxiway. A common question has been can we use the taxiway to takeoff and land while the runway is closed this time? The short answer is...NO.

There are multiple reasons for this, all of which are safety related. First off, this project is much different and more complex than the previous time the runway was closed. Portions of taxiway "A" will be closed as grading will be taking place on the western end of that taxiway, as well as portions of taxiway "B" will be closed. This essentially limits us to taxiway "C" (the taxiway leading to runway 6). Due to the trees and hillside adjacent to that taxiway, and the construction equipment and temporary asphalt plant that will be located on-site, that taxiway is not a good option for use as a runway either. While helicopter traffic will still probably be able to use taxiway "C" and the ramp, it just is not safe for airplane operations.

While I understand the desire to want to be able to keep operating through the construction, it is important to also consider the safety aspect for pilots and the construction team. We have worked closed with the FAA, the contractor and our airport engineers to explore many construction options and have agreed upon an option that limits the runway closure time as much as possible.

So long answer short...no, the taxiway cannot be used as a temporary runway.

Contract Documents Approved – Tentative Schedule Discussed

The FAA has approved the contract documents for the runway rehabilitation project, putting us one step closer to beginning the project. We have submitted our construction phasing plan to the FAA and expect to receive comment from them very soon.

Tentatively, our construction plan is to begin work around July 12th. The construction plan will incorporate 15 nighttime runway closures; followed by 15 consecutive days of runway closures.

IF we were to begin work on July 7th, the schedule would look something like this...

July 12 - July 26: Runway 6-24 will be closed during nighttime hours only. These closures will likely be between 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Normal daytime operations will be permitted at the runways full length and width.

July 27 - August 10: Runway 6-24 will be closed for paving.

August 10th or 11th: Runway 6-24 will re-open at its full length and width.

Sometime in late August or early September, we will have a few additional nighttime closures for final runway markings and pavement grooving. These closures will not impact day operations.

This is a VERY TENTATIVE schedule. We are still working with the FAA and the contractor for the phasing approval and the final decision on a start date. However, this information could impact many of you so getting this tentative schedule should help as you plan your summer flights. This is especially important for those of you planning to attend AirVenture in Oshkosh this year!

I will keep you up to date as a more definitive schedule is established.

Sign Up To Receive E-Mail Updates

A sign up sheet has been posted inside the terminal building if you are interested in receiving e-mail updates on the runway rehabilitation project. Feel free to either sign up on the sheet or send an e-mail to kpskmanager@gmail.com to get signed up for updates.