Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) has broken ground on an 8.5 million USD snow removal equipment building in Michigan.
This investment will expand the existing Airfield Maintenance facility by over 60,000 square feet to support increased operations and accommodate forecasted passenger growth.
Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk said:We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to further enhance operational efficiency while ensuring the safety of our staff, passengers and partners. This transformative expansion will accommodate the Airport’s increasing passenger demand while optimizing space for equipment and operations.
The new snow removal equipment building will be managed by the Airport Authority’s Airfield Maintenance team, which is responsible for the airport’s specialised snow removal machines. These snowploughs measure up to 26 feet wide and 78 feet long and are thus twice the size of those used by road commissions.
In snowy conditions, a fleet of seven or more trucks arranged in a conga line formation are deployed to clear the runway. This coordinated effort allows the team to plough up to two miles of runway in less than 30 minutes to ensure minimal disruption to airport operations.
Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson said:We continuously strive for excellence in every aspect of our operations, and the groundbreaking of our snow removal equipment building showcases our dedication to providing world-class service to our community. The Airport Authority Airfield Maintenance team has been nationally recognized for their expertise in snow removal operations, receiving multiple awards over the years for their efficient and innovative processes.
This project is supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the airport securing funding for the facility through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Work is expected to be completed by this winter season. FCC Construction, Inc and MTC will serve as the main contractors, with DLZ and C&S Companies supporting design and construction administration.
The FAA’s Detroit Airport District Office Manager John L. Mayfield Jr. said:The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build safer and more sustainable airports. Ford International Airport has chosen to modernise its infrastructure by expanding its existing 57,000 square foot snow removal equipment facility by an additional 60,716 square feet.
The expansion of the building will allow all snow removal equipment to be consolidated in the same area and protect it from the weather to extend its useful life. Snow removal equipment is critical to remove the presence of contaminants such as snow, ice or slush on airfield pavements which causes hazardous conditions that may contribute to airplane incidents and accidents. Therefore, protecting the airport’s investment in snow removal equipment from the elements allows for a more efficient response to weather events.
