The Grand Forks Regional Airport has started work to relocate a portion of County Road 5 west of the airport to allow for a future extension of its east/west crosswind runway.
It is an airport project that is completely funded by the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program. With the favorable weather this fall, “dirt work” has already begun, but the actual paving won’t occur until next year. Ryan Riesinger, executive director of the Grand Forks Regional Airport Authority, said the project is part of the airport’s “master plan.” The airport is unable to move forward with the runway extension until the road is moved.
“In short, what we need to do is relocate that portion of County Road 5 for that safety and approach area for the new extended runway,” Riesinger said. “If you look at most airports, there’s about a thousand feet of buffer space and flat zone. That’s called the safety area. There are also approaches to that runway, so we had to keep those areas clear, and that was the need. You can’t have a road going through a safety area.”
The airport board acquired land on the west side of the airport earlier this year specifically for the project. The airport received bids in late August, and the bids were approved on Sept. 1. The contract was awarded to RJ Zavoral & Sons. Riesinger said those who drive out to the airport now can see the progress, as workers begin moving and shaping the dirt.
“Sometimes you have to wait for the bids to be approved and for the contractor to mobilize to determine, ‘What’s the weather like at that point in time, and what’s their availability?’” Riesinger said. “Technically, this project is really a 2022 construction season project. But, because of the timing, they were able to start the dirt work. It actually started last month.”
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Ultimately, the dirt will sit over the winter, which helps keep the dirt packed. Next year, crews will come back and complete the work, including paving. The road will be officially finished and in use during next construction season.
