A front end loader at work at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport.
Story Updated: Jul 9, 2009 at 8:09 AM PDT
By Matt Loveless
The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport is the site of a construction zone, but planes continue to fly in and out.
The runway apron, which has asphalt that was laid in the 70s, has just about run it’s course.
“The pavement is failing in the area where Delta and Horizon are parking,” said Riedesel Engineering Area Manager John Watson. “There’s a lot of point-load on that asphalt. And with those wheels right there in that asphalt during the summer time, it gets soft.”
Crews are excavating the area in preparation of laying a 16-inch thick slab of concrete, which engineers said will hold up better under hot conditions.
Watson said the rest of the area is also getting some attention, as cracking 30-year-old pavement is everywhere.
“Most of the rest of the asphalt is going to get a slurry seal and crack fill to help prolong the life of that pavement out there,” said Watson.
Ninety-five percent of the $1.5 million project is paid for by an FAA grant, with the other five percent from state aviation grants and city and county funds.
Airport Manager Robin Turner said the work has not and won’t affect flights. Watson said they will pour the concrete by the end of the month and have the project done by mid-August.
“There are some inconveniences for some of the apron traffic going across there,” said Watson. “Passengers have to walk a little further right now than they’re used to. But it’s just temporary. Hopefully they’ll enjoy the new concrete pavement after it’s done.”