RFD Completes Second Phase of Runway Reconstruction Project
Runway Now Open, Construction to Resume in 2013
ROCKFORD, IL - The Chicago Rockford International Airport’s (RFD) Runway 1/19 opened to air traffic Monday after the completion of the second phase of a major reconstruction project. The third phase of the runway project is expected to resume in 2013 following AirFest, with the final phase scheduled for completion in 2014.
The first and second phase of construction required the 8,200 ft. runway to be closed for five months. Originally only the first phase of construction was to be completed this season, but due to a dry summer, skilled contractors and the State of Illinois working to expedite, the second phase was also finished in 2012.
The combination of the two projects cost $13 million and was funded through the Federal Aviation Administration, the State of Illinois and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority. Support from Senator Durbin helped secure the much-needed discretionary funding that allowed RFD to complete approximately 4,000 ft. of the runway upgrade this season.
The runway project is an example of how the airport serves as an economic engine for the region by generating and supporting local employment. It is estimated that the $13 million in federal investment generated 72 jobs. Crawford, Murphy & Tilly provided construction engineering services for the project.
Local contractors Sjostrom & Sons and William Charles Construction completed the first phase and second phase, respectively.
The first and second phases of the reconstruction involved building a new pavement section with 45,000 cubic yards of concrete, making the entire runway surface 20-inches thick. The amount of concrete placed this year is equivalent to approximately eight miles of two-lane highway pavement. The last major rehabilitation of this runway was undertaken in 1983, with overlays completed in 1993 and 2002 to extend the service life. The runway was originally constructed in 1948 with an extension added in 1968.
Future phases will include upgrading the entire runway to LED lighting.
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