$15M Stimulus Grant Funds Detroit Metro Runway Rehab

 

Project estimated to generate more than 220 jobs

 

Editor’s Note: ACI-NA begins a periodic feature spotlighting the impact of the federal stimulus program on airports. The program is creating jobs and funding crucial improvements to airports’ infrastructure.

 

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (WCCA) will open a newly reconstructed runway nearly a year and a half ahead of their previously planned schedule - and just in time for the Thanksgiving rush - thanks to a $15 million grant provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The project is expected to create nearly 225 local jobs, according to the WCCA.

 

 

Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI) notified WCCA of the grant in May. The $34.6 million rehabilitation project had been scheduled to launch this summer as a two-year project. However, with the addition of the ARRA funding, officials were able to revise their time table to complete construction in just five months. Reconstruction on Runway 9L/27R began June 29, 2009, and is expected to be finished by this Thanksgiving.

 

In addition to accelerating construction at the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)  the ARRA grant is responsible for creating nearly 225 full time-equivalent jobs, including excavators, pavers, haulers, electricians, and other construction workers, according to WCAA CEO Lester Robinson.  The grant has allowed the airport to maximize the project’s short-term economic impact in the region, Robinson said, adding that he was pleased the funding has allowed the county to rehabilitate “a critical piece of transportation infrastructure…and put people to work” at the same time.

 

Runway 9L/27R is one of two crosswind runways at DTW used primarily during strong westerly wind conditions. The project requires complete reconstruction of the runway, including ripping out the existing runway layers completely. “It’s not quite like building a road,” airport spokesman Scott Wintner said. Additionally, runway markings, electrical and edge lighting systems on the runway will be replaced.  After reconstruction, the runway will have a 20-year lifespan.

 

“In crosswind situations the airport was reduced to using one runway,” Wintner said. Though 9L/27R is used only during these specific and infrequent wind patterns, operating on just one runway is problematic.  DTW is the second-largest hub for Delta.

 

The reconstruction of 9L/27R will have minimal—if any—impact on aircraft noise over surrounding communities or airline operations.  Air traffic will operate normally on the airport’s four primary parallel runways throughout the project, allowing passengers on DTW’s 1,200 plus daily flights to avoid construction-related delays.

 

Robinson pointed out that the current economic climate provided a convenient window for reconstruction.  “Along with the economic factors, the project has given us the opportunity to accelerate the reconstruction during a summer when our airlines already anticipate operating fewer flights. The timing of this project is ideal for everyone.”