BLUE GRASS AIRPORT TO RESURFACE MAIN RUNWAY; WEEKEND CLOSURE ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST 18-20

Lexington, KY — Blue Grass Airport will resurface its main runway (Runway 4-22) from 6 pm on Friday, August 18, 2006 to 6 pm on Sunday, August 20, 2006.  During this time, the airport will be closed to all fixed wing commercial and general aviation aircraft.  (Helicopters will still be able to use the airport during this timeframe.)

The runway resurfacing is part of a four-phase Runway Safety Area improvement project.  Construction on this project began in October 2003 and is now approaching its final phases, which includes an asphalt overlay of the entire existing length of Runway 4-22–as well as relocation and installation of numerous navigational aids and runway approach lighting.  This project provides 600 feet of safety area for each end of the airport's primary commercial service runway and brings it into compliance with current FAA safety standards. 

"Runway resurfacing is a vital maintenance process that ensures the runway is safe and operational in all weather conditions," said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport.

Work on the 48-hour project will require an estimated 33,000 tons of asphalt to pave the 7,000 feet x 150 feet runway.  Due to the large magnitude of this project, it will most likely be the only resurfacing taking place in the area that weekend.

"To minimize inconvenience to our travelers, we have enlisted nearly every asphalt resource in central Kentucky," said Gobb.  "Their dedication to this project means we'll complete the work swiftly–in one weekend."

All air carriers have been notified of the weekend closure and flights for that weekend will be removed from airline reservation systems.  The last time the main runway was resurfaced was in 1994.  The Federal Aviation Administration requires runways to be repaved every 15 years.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities with direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide.  The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year.

About Blue Grass Airport's Runway Safety Area Improvement Project

The runway resurfacing is part of a four-phase Runway Safety Area improvement project.  This project provides 600 feet of safety area for each end of the airport's primary commercial service runway and brings it into compliance with current FAA safety standards.  The additional length on each end of the 7,000 foot runway is intended to provide an extra margin of safety for arriving and departing aircraft. Construction on this project began in October 2003 and is scheduled for completion in 2007.

Phase I:   The project began with relocating a portion of Parker's Mill Road and Cave Creek as well as constructing a new bridge over South Elkhorn Creek (near the Runway 4 approach area).  The project included constructing a new retaining wall at the end of Runway 22 and relocating airport access roads and a portion of Runway 4's instrument landing system.

As part of the retaining wall construction, a distinctive mural image was painted on the wall and significant landscaping was added to the area.  World-renowned artist Eric Henn created a one-of-a-kind scene, including a painted stone bridge, signature federal-style house and compilations from many of Kentucky's finest horse farms.  In addition, ornamental estate-style fencing enhances the art feature.  This phase of the project is now complete.

Phase II:  Phase II of the project includes the construction of a large embankment at the end of Runway 4. Approximately 1.3 million cubic yards of rock and fill will be used to construct this phase.

Phase III:  In this phase, the construction of new pavement begins on the runway safety area, taxiway and emergency access roads at the end of Runway 4.  Phase III also includes the relocation and installation of numerous navigational aids and runway approach lighting.

Phase IV:  Phase IV includes an asphalt overlay of the entire length of Runway 4-22 and Taxiway A.  All pavement lighting will also be replaced.