Construction Projects at O'Hare International Airport on Schedule and within Budget Despite September 11 Tragedy
Construction Projects at O'Hare International Airport on Schedule and within Budget Despite September 11 Tragedy
Key Airfield Projects Completed Using Competitive Term Agreements
(CHICAGO) -- December 21, 2001. The Department of Aviation completes a variety of critical airfield projects following the attacks of September 11. Fewer airline operations have provided a window of opportunity to accomplish this goal while allowing O'Hare to maintain a safe and efficient airfield operation.
"Unlike other airports across the country, Chicago's airports have continued to move forward with major construction projects," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas Walker." Walker added that the Department has been able to complete critical and necessary projects in a timely and cost effective manner through the use of competitively bid term agreements.
One of the most important categories of construction projects on the airfield is the rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, ramp and apron areas.
O'Hare's airfield improvements include runway resurfacing, taxiway and ramp reconstruction and general airfield maintenance. Some of O'Hare's ramp areas are 35-40 year old pavements that are in need of replacement.
O'Hare's longest runway, 14R/32L, was rehabilitated including new asphalt pavement, electrical lighting systems and enhancements to the safety areas behind the northwest end of the runway and adjacent to the southwest edge of the runway. At O'Hare, one runway is rehabilitated every year. O'Hare's 7 runways total 11.75 miles.
Ninety percent of O'Hare's taxiways have been reconstructed within the last ten years. Taxiways are constructed with concrete and have a lifespan of 25 years. This year at O'Hare, Tango taxiway was reconstructed between S taxiway and the approach of runway 32L, located at the southwest end of the airfield. O'Hare's taxiways total 38.8 miles.
"Ramp and apron construction can be the most challenging to complete while working within close confines of an airline's gate operation," said Commissioner Walker." He stressed that close coordination with the airlines, O'Hare's construction and project management partners allowed the teams to take advantage of the reduced traffic flow of airfield operations in the wake of September 11.
None of these projects could have been completed under normal circumstances without affecting airline operations. This flexibility provided a safe and quick construction operations coordination timetable eliminating potential delays and higher costs.
"We would not have been able to complete this task without the reduced traffic flow," said Commisioner Walker. "We have been able to seize an opportunity and will continue to monitor and control costs working closely with our tenants and contractors."
The Department of Aviation's commitment to identifying, considering and addressing any impacts to the traveling public as well as employees and airline partners is a top priority.
O'Hare continues to maintain a safe and efficient environment under Federal Aviation Administration certification and safety regulations.
