HDR Selected to Lead New Runway Design for Tucson International’s Airfield Safety Enhancement Program

OMAHA, Neb. — The Tucson Airport Authority has chosen HDR to lead the design of its new runway and associated parallel taxiways.

The work is the centerpiece of Tucson International Airport’s $218 million Airfield Safety Enhancement program, the largest project undertaken in the history of the airport.

With a national aviation practice that has worked on some of the biggest airports in the United States, HDR mobilized top aviation engineering experts from across the nation and supplemented that expertise with local knowledge to form a hand-picked design team for the TAA.

Meant to limit runway incursions, the modernization and safety improvements at Tucson International will include the demolition of existing runway 11R/29L, a narrow and short general aviation runway.

The demolished runway will be replaced by Runway 13R/31L, a 10,996 foot long runway, along with a full-length centerline parallel taxiway, new outboard parallel taxiway and new connector taxiways. Among the key considerations is bringing the geometry of the airfield, designed up to 60 years ago, up to the latest Federal Aviation Administration standards.

The new runway will also provide a second parallel runway for commercial and military flights at Tucson International. Currently, routine maintenance or any incidents that shut down the airport’s one full-length runway in the busy summer months can lead to traffic backups as the runway is cleared. Adding a second runway will allow operations to continue without these interruptions.

Design work on the project is expected to begin in October. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2020 and continue through at least 2024.

“The Tucson Airport Authority is embarking on the biggest project in its history, and we’re proud they entrusted HDR with such a critical role,” HDR project manager Scott Sikel said. “Our team is ready to help deliver their vision of becoming one of the safest airports in America.”

About HDR

For more than a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 10,000 employees, in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.

About HDR’s Aviation Experience
Providing thoughtfully curated teams who are passionate about aviation and grounded in quality, we collaborate with clients to deliver customized solutions that address the complexities of the aviation industry. Our network of experts offer comprehensive of consulting services — from providing airside and landslide planning, terminal architecture, and specialty design services to help with program delivery and operations. We are overseeing designs for the new Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Modernization Program and Los Angeles International Airport automated people mover, and are providing project management services for the rehabilitation of Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. Our full suite of aviation services can help our clients’ programs reach new heights in operational excellence and long-term economic growth.