Runway works on target for spring completion
After successfully completing the resurfacing of the runway at Jersey Airport prior to the festive break, work has now begun on phase two of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by spring 2009.
This second phase includes the lighting stage, which will include the control systems as well as centreline, edge and threshold lighting. A new control system for the aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) has been developed and is due to be installed during late January, early February. All other lighting works are due to be completed by the end of this month, with other re-texturing work to be completed by mid February 2009.
As with the completed first phase of the project, all works will take place overnight between Monday and Friday when the runway is closed.
Airport Traffic Control building progressing well:
Construction on the Air Traffic Control tower is due to start on Monday 12th January following recent work on the foundations. The new building will replace the existing one which is housed in the original 1937 arrivals terminal and which is now beyond economic repair.
The newly constructed principal building will be two storeys high together with a high quality cladding tower standing at 39 metres. The £6million construction project is likely to take up to 53 weeks to complete followed by a further six months for equipment fit and officer training before the facility becomes fully operational in the second quarter of 2010. The current air traffic facilities will subsequently be demolished.
The initial building work on the building will involve ‘slip forming'; a recognised technique used to construct high rise buildings by the continuous pouring of concrete. The process is expected to last over five nights and include night work, as explained by Sandy Sawyer the Operations Director for Jersey Airport, "Due to the continuous pouring of this process, the contractors, AC Mauger, will have no option but to work through the night to complete it. However we have consulted with health protection and will be working to acceptable noise letters, thereby causing minimum inconvenience to local residents."
The two projects underway for Jersey Airport showcase the significant increase in flights, which has occurred over recent years to the island and as commented by Sandy Sawyer, "We are very pleased that the works are all continuing in a successful and timely manner, causing minimal disruption to our airline partners and passengers."