The Port of Seattle is reconstructing Sea-Tac Airport’s center runway (designated as 16C/34C), originally built in 1969, and scheduled to be completed and re-opened on Oct. 30, 2015.
The project includes installation of a new LED runway lighting system and an automated electronic Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection system to provide additional safety on the runway. Portions of connecting taxiways are also being replaced along with associated electrical, water, and aging storm water infrastructure.
This is the first reconstruction of the runway since it was built in 1969. The runway was originally built with 14-inch thick pavement and a 20-year life design. Over the last 20 years, 600+ panels (out of 4000) have been replaced to keep the runway operational.
The project will cost approximately $95 million.
Upon completion, all three SeaTac runways will have been built or rebuilt in the last seven years. The new runway is designed to last 40 years.
Here are some great photos of the reconstruction, as shot by resident Elston Hill (with Jackline) on Friday, July 17 (click images to see larger versions/slideshow):
The port has received $15 million in FAA grants and anticipates another $10 million in future FAA grants. The remaining funding was allocated from Airport Development Funds, Airport Improvement Project Grants, and future revenue bonds.
The existing concrete from the runway is being recycled and crushed on site into gravel as the sub-base for the new runway. This is anticipated to be over 300,000 square yards of recycled concrete. Over 200,000 square yards of new concrete will be placed for the new runway.
The new runway will consist of eight inches of crushed rock sub-base, four inches of asphalt, and 18 inches of Portland cement concrete. Over 16,000 feet of new storm drain pipe will be installed.
Additional Project Facts:
- 16C/34C is 9,426’ in length. (Sea-Tac’s longest runway, 16L/34R is 11,901’ in length and its third runway, 16R/34L, is 8,500’).
- Upon completion of the project, all three of Sea-Tac’s runways will have been constructed or rebuilt within the last seven years.
- 16R/34L was built in 2008, while 16L/34R was reconstructed in 2009.
- The lifespan of the reconstructed center runway is estimated to be 40 years.
- The runway surface is made up of 4,000+ concrete panels, each measuring 20’ X 18.75‘. Over the course of the last 20 years,
- 600+ panels have been replaced to keep the runway operational.
- The concrete from the runway will be recycled and crushed on site into gravel that will be used as the sub-base for the new runway. This is anticipated to be over 300,000 Square Yards (SY) of recycled concrete.
- Over 200,000 SY of new concrete will be poured for the new runway.
- The new runway will consist of eight inches of crushed rock sub-base, four inches of asphalt, and 18 inches of Portland cement concrete.
- Over 16,000 linear feet of new storm drain pipe will be installed.
For more info, click here.