CONSTRUCTION FOR BLUE GRASS AIRPORT'S NEW CROSSWIND RUNWAY BEGINS

February 13, 2009 - Runway 8-26, Blue Grass Airport’s crosswind runway used by general aviation aircraft, will permanently close today so construction can begin on a relocated and realigned runway.  This new runway will be constructed in an east-west orientation resulting in it being named Runway 9-27.

“Today Blue Grass Airport kicks-off one of its busiest construction seasons in the airport’s history,” said Bobby Owens, chairman of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board.  “This $27 million runway relocation project will employ more than 150 people.  It is one component of the more than $66 million worth of airport improvement projects beginning this year.”

Runway 8-26 was constructed in 1942 during World War II and was an original crosswind runway at Blue Grass Airport.  Crosswind runways are designed for use by aircraft when winds are not in the prevailing direction.  The airport’s 2004 Master Plan Update identified a need to rehabilitate and reconstruct the pavement for this runway and recommended relocating it to a 9-27 orientation.  In addition, the runway will be lengthened from 3,500 feet to 4,000 feet to meet the Kentucky Department of Aviation’s planning goals. 

“Forecasts through 2015 indicate that general aviation activity will continue to account for over one-half of the total operations at Blue Grass Airport,” added Owens.  “This new runway is critical to allowing us to maintain the capability of landing lighter corporate and private aircraft during crosswind conditions.”

The relocation of the crosswind runway will allow for more efficient land use and facility development.  Current general aviation facilities are severely constrained and have insufficient space to provide additional corporate and light general aviation facilities.  The relocation will provide ample space for much need aircraft parking and hangar development as well as realignment of the terminal’s main access road, Terminal Drive. 

The airport’s 7,000 foot primary runway, 4-22, will continue to remain open to commercial and general aviation traffic. Earthwork, stormwater infrastructure and removal of Runway 8-26 will begin immediately and paving of the new runway is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2010.  Completion of the project is expected to occur prior to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Blue Grass Airport is served by seven 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.