Rochester International Airport (RST) Breaks Ground on $79.2 Million Runway Improvements Project
Rochester International Airport broke ground on Phase 1 of construction on RST’s runway improvements project last week. The project is a multi-year, multi-phase project to replace Runway 2/20, which has reached the end of its useful life and requires reconstruction.
RST’s executive director, John Reed, said:We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and support that has brought us to this point. Funding a large project requires great collaboration at the federal, state and local levels. Reconstruction of Runway 2/20 kicks off today, resulting in new jobs in our area and ensuring uninterrupted air access for travelers in our region.
The total cost of the project is $79.2 million and includes:
- A 1,647-foot extension to Runway 2/20 and Taxiway B
- New 40-inch pavement section (sand, gravel, pavement)
- 275,000 square yards of pavement removed and recycled
- 7 million cubic yards of material excavated
- 8 miles of underdrain tile to improve drainage
- 13 miles of underground electrical cable and conduit
- 500 new LED runway and taxiway lights
- Improved approach capabilities
The RST runway project was funded with $62.8 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, $11.4 million from the State of Minnesota and $5.0 million in local funding. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the closed runway at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7th. Federal, state and local elected officials and airport stakeholders gathered to celebrate the project.
Construction is now underway on the multi-year project to reconstruct and improve the airfield.
This article was originally published by FlyRST.
