Achi news desk-
Construction has begun on phase one of the Calgary Airport West Runway Rehabilitation project costing approximately $201 million.
The Calgary Airport Authority broke ground Thursday on the 85-year-old runway, marking a “critical step in ensuring the operational stability and safety of YYC Calgary International Airport.”
“The runway is nearing the end of its useful life,” said Chris Miles, the authority’s chief operating officer.
“That requires comprehensive rehabilitation to ensure safe and efficient operation and that is exactly what this operation will deliver.”
Big crack on Calgary airport runway.
Tomasia DaSilva
Finance and project budget
The massive rehabilitation project, expected to be completed in two years, was originally estimated to have cost $115 million, but that cost has since increased by an additional $86 million.
The Government of Canada is providing $57.5 million through the federal Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, with the remaining $142.5 million being fully funded by the authority.
Breaking news from Canada and around the world delivered to your email, as it happens.
Miles told Global News the updated higher cost is not a surprise.
“I wouldn’t say that overspending is necessarily (to blame),” Miles noted. “The project is coming in based on the supply chain and the materials.”
Authority officials claim that the money was well spent, adding that it will be poured back into the Calgary area economy in no time.
“This runway project is projected to generate and create approximately 300 jobs during construction,” Miles said.
“It’s a project that will allow thousands and thousands of aircraft to land and take off at YYC. It will also welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists.”
Authority president and CEO Chris Dinsdale echoed that.
“This project is just one of many that we will undertake to meet the needs of our community and serve as an economic driver for our area,” Dinsdale said. “Today and for decades to come.”
Construction of the YYC runway rehabilitation project.
Tomasia DaSilva
Sustainable and environmentally friendly
The project will completely overhaul and replace the aging runway, making significant regulatory, safety and environmental improvements, including:
- Upgrade existing electrical fixtures to LED.
- Future-proofing for climate resilience with storm infrastructure upgrades under the runway.
- Incorporating carbon capture technology into the concrete used.
- Add Runway Limit Security Areas to comply with regulatory requirements.
It will also reuse some of the existing material on the existing runway.
“About 80 per cent of the old runway will be crushed on site and put back into the new runway,” noted Dinsdale.
Construction has begun on the rehabilitation of the Calgary runway.
Tomasia DaSilva
Residents warned about noise
The authority said two of the three runways at the airport will remain fully open, allowing airlines to operate as normal. However, some flights will change routes, resulting in some additional noise to some Calgary neighborhoods.
Dinsdale said those involved in the project have focused on mitigating that noise.
“We absolutely need to find a balance between economic growth and the impact on those around our airport,” he said.
“Therefore, we have taken different measures. Noise measurement systems have been temporarily implemented during this project. We’ve had community outreach.”
The rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in two construction seasons.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
