HDR to design airport runway rehabs in Florida and Kentucky

HDR continues to grow its aviation planning and engineering practice, most recently by adding commercial airfield rehabilitation contracts in Florida and Kentucky.

"These projects strengthen HDR's qualifications for airfield design per the latest Federal Aviation Administration design requirements," said Tim Fish, HDR aviation technical services director. "Our approach, values and culture continue to distinguish us in the aviation infrastructure marketplace."

Fish credits the firm's client-focused approach, which inspired elegant phasing solutions to the chief concern common to HDR's clients in both states: minimizing operational impacts during construction. The design team employed building information modeling (BIM), 4D and 5D design, which allowed them to evaluate phasing alternatives and potential operational impacts.

"Using these tools allowed us to show our clients how we will minimize impacts and communicate with key stakeholders," Fish said.

Blue Grass Airport runway pavement rehab

At Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky., minimizing impact is critical because its operations rely on the 7,000-foot runway being rehabilitated, which is the only commercial-service runway in Lexington. The airport serves Delta, American and Allegiant airlines in a city of more than 300,000.

During each phase of runway pavement rehab, an abbreviated portion of the runway will remain available for service. In addition to the runway rehab, this project will include the installation of safety enhancements and among them an engineered material arresting system. Construction value is estimated at $25 million.

Design commenced in August 2016 and construction is scheduled to be completed in August 2019. HDR services include project management, construction phasing, airfield design, airfield electrical system design, geotechnical engineering, surveying and construction oversight.

Palm Beach International Airport airfield improvements

At this busy airport on Florida's southeast coast, minimizing impact is equally vital to continuous operations during construction. Palm Beach County Department of Airports selected HDR to lead design efforts for its $45 million Airfield Improvements and Rehabilitation Program. HDR is currently completing final design for the initial elements. Construction of all improvements is expected to be completed in September 2019.

This sweeping project includes rehabilitation of five taxiways and ramp areas. Also within the project's scope are additional measures to bring the airfield into compliance with recent FAA changes. Airfield pavements will be rehabbed and airfield geometry will be updated.

HDR services include project management, airfield geometry, airfield pavement design, storm water runoff design, regulatory permitting and environmental assessment for endangered burrowing owls and gopher tortoises.