Runway 17-35 Rehabilitation
Strother Field Airport provides a $1 billion economic impact for Cowley County, Kansas, so when its primary runway needed rehabilitation, the airport knew it needed a plan that would limit runway closures. The airport is home to GE Aviation's last jet engine overhaul facility in North America, which means large corporate aircraft frequently fly into Strother Field to have their engines inspected and overhauled. Runway 17-35 is the only one that can accommodate those aircraft.
"It was imperative we work closely with the FAA, the Strother Field Commission, GE Aviation, and the contractor to develop construction sequencing that allowed aircraft operations to be maintained on the runway throughout construction," said Garver's Kansas Aviation Team Leader Mark Williams.
"Garver was able to implement a plan and phase the construction to ensure that the industries and aviation community saw little to no interruption," said Airport Manager Shawn McGrew.
The existing runway surface exhibited medium- to high-severity pavement distresses, which could damage aircraft gear configurations but also created a safety hazard for aircraft operations through foreign object debris. In three months, Garver designed a bituminous overlay to provide additional pavement strength yet limited the grading on shoulders to eliminate full-runway closures. The project has improved airport safety without jeopardizing operations.
"Between Garver's ability to communicate with all parties involved and complete the project under budget and ahead of schedule, they definitely met and exceeded all of our expectations," McGrew said.
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