FAA APPROVES AIRPORT RUNWAY IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL

Lexington, KY - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a plan submitted by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board to increase safety overrun areas for the airport’s runway 4-22. The proposal adds 600 feet of safety area on each end of the 7,000 foot runway while maintaining 7,000 feet for take-off and 6,600 feet for landing. This is accomplished by extending the current runway embankment 940 feet south of the existing Runway 4, 340 feet of that platform will be new pavement. The markings on the runway will then be relocated so that the threshold of the runway is moved 340 feet south along the centerline. By doing this a 600 foot safety area is obtained on each end of the runway.

“This is a good solution for Lexington ’s airport. It allows Blue Grass Airport to meet current design standards without great impact to our neighbors, the community or to air service. This solution will not adversely effect the current mix of aircraft and flights offered at the airport and it will allow us to continue to introduce new flights and destinations to the region”, said Michael Gobb, Executive Director, Blue Grass Airport

It was previously determined that Runway 4-22, constructed prior to the adoption of the safety overrun requirement became effective, lacked adequate safety areas. To comply with airport runway design standards and to enhance safety this project was undertaken. The approval will bring Blue Grass Airport into compliance with all runway design criteria and will allow the airport to continue serving the community for the future.

This project will require a minor relocation of Parker’s Mill Road at the end of Runway 4 and will entail some property acquisition at the end of the runway. Prior to construction, the project must undergo extensive design work and an environmental process. Airport officials expect useable pavement to be in place by 2006.