Runway 9/27 Project FAQs

Is the runway being lengthened during the reconstruction?

No. The runway will not be lengthened at this time, although the BKV Master Plan does include plans for a 1,000 ft future extension.

Why does Runway 9/27 need to be rehabilitated? Why now?

BKV’s concrete runways were originally built in 1942 and 9/27 has been used as the primary runway continuously ever since. Over time, the surface has deteriorated to include joint and corner spalls. To meet FAA safety and user experience standards, the runway has been maintained and repaired many times. The 2022 Runway Rehabilitation Project will reconstruct and resurface the full 7001 ft x 150 ft length. Like Taxiway A Rehabilitation, completed in 2020, Runway 9/27 will be resurfaced with milled cement concrete overlayed with 4” of asphalt mix pavement.

What is the initial timeframe for the Projects?

February 28, 2022 to April 13, 2022 (Runway 9-27 Closed, Runway 3-21 Open)

What is the Runway Related Work to be Completed during this timeframe?

1. Runway and Connectors Milling and Overlay
2. Taxiway C9 Milling and Overlay
3. Temporary Runway and Taxiways Marking
4. Runway RSA Regrading
5. Runway 9 Windsock Relocation
6. Glideslope Road Construction
7. Taxiway A1 Electrical (signs, lights, etc.)
8. Service Road Removal
9. Mound Re-Grading, Debris Removal

Decoupling Work to be Completed:
1. Re-grading of the Pond
2. Construction of new Taxiway B1 from the Apron to Taxiway B TOFA (taxiway object fee area) (65.5 feet to centerline of TW B)
3. Construction of new Taxiway C1 from Runway 9-27 to Runway 3-21 OFZ (obstacle free zone) (200 feet to centerline.

What is the next project phase?

April 14, 2022 to May 13, 2022 (Runway 9-27 Open, Runway 3-21 Closed)

What is the work to be completed in this phase?

Runway Related Work to be Completed:

1. Perform punch-list items not requiring Runway 9-27 closure (outside RSA (runway safety area)
2. Any Electrical Work Outside Runway 9-27 RSA (e.g. Localizer Infrastructure)

Decoupling Work to be Completed:

1. Complete Construction of Taxiway C1
2. Complete Construction of Taxiway B1

What is the next project phase?

May 14, 2022 to May 28, 2022 (Runway 9-27 Closed at Night Only, Runway 3-21 Open)

What is the work to be completed in this phase?

Runway Related Work to be Completed:

1. Grooving and Permanent Markings on the Runway
2. Permanent Markings on Taxiway C9 and Taxiway Connectors
3. Perform punch-list items not requiring Runway 3-21 Closure)
2. Any Electrical Work Outside Runway 3-21 RSA and OFZ

Decoupling Work to be Completed:

1. Perform Punch-list items outside Runway 3-21 OFZ
2. Any Electrical Work Outside Runway 3-21 RSA and OFZ

What is the next project phase?

May 29, 2022 to June 27, 2022 (Runway 9-27 Open, Runway 3-21 Closed)

What is the work to be completed in this phase?

Runway Related Work to be Completed:

1. Any Electrical Work Outside Runway 9-27 RSA (e.g., Localizer, etc.)

Decoupling Work to be Completed:

1. Demolish Old Taxiway B1 and 815 feet of Runway 21 and Taxiway B. All work within Runway 9-27 RSA shall be completed within 18 calendar nights when Runway 9-27 is closed at night only (11:30 PM to 5:00 AM).
2. Modify Runway 3-21 Electrical (including PAPI Relocation)
3. Modify Runway 3-21 Pavement Markings

What does Runway Decoupling mean?

In anticipation of future runway lengthening, Runway 21 and Runway 27 will be decoupled. Decoupling will eliminate the encroachment of the respective safety areas in to prevent airfield operational impacts and incursions.

The decoupling involves displacement of 815 feet from Runway 21. Decoupling will include removal of the portion of Runway 3/21 that extends through the Runway 27 safety area and relocation of the threshold to the new runway end. Upon completion, available 3/21 runway length will be reduced to 4199 feet.

Who is the project contractor?

Project Engineer, Mohsen Mohammadi, operates Aviation Infrastructure Development (AID), headquartered in Tampa. AID has provided aviation expertise to dozens of general aviation and commercial airports in Florida. AID has been involved in numerous BKV past projects.

Ajax Paving of Florida is the contractor. Ajax has a wide presence throughout the state with extensive airport paving experience. From their website, “Over the past 36 years, Ajax has placed more asphalt and concrete on airports than any other paving company on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Our expert crews, a fleet of advanced equipment, and precise asphalt and concrete mix technology enable us to meet unique complexities, specifications, and qualifications required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).”

Was this contract awarded through a public bid process?

Yes. Per FAA and FDOT requirements, a competitive bid process was conducted.

What are the project costs?

Total costs (design, administration, construction, construction management)
Runway 9/27 Project
$11,319,166

Decoupling Project
$2,552,249
Both projects include federal, state, and local funding.

What are some other improvements included in the Runway 9/27 Runway Rehabilitation and Runway Decoupling Projects?

Other improvements within the Runway Rehabilitation project include:

 Rehab of taxiway connector C9.
 Relocation of the wind cone at the Runway 27 end.
 Relocation and the replacement of the ILS localizer.
 Elimination of the stockpile mound, trees, and vegetation located within the Runway Object Free Area (ROFA) and the Primary Surface.
 Removal of the service road crossing Runway 9/27.
 Re-grading the runway safety area west of Runway 9.

Other improvements tied to the Runway Decoupling project include:

 New taxiway connectors B1 and C1
 Runway edge lights, end lights and threshold lights will be modified to meet the standards for a displaced threshold
 Relocate Runway 3/21 PAPIs

Will the weight bearing capacity increase on Runway 9/27?

No the weight bearing capacity will remain the same which is as follows:

Single wheel: 90,000 lbs.
Double wheel: 130,000 lbs.
Double tandem: 230,000 lbs.

What about the Gopher Tortoises?

Gopher tortoises and their burrows, protected by state law, will be identified and relocated by authorized in accordance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission procedures.