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Airport runway work is under way By JILL BRISKEY Work crews on Monday began ripping out an asphalt taxiway at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. County officials don't expect the dust to settle for a few weeks. But Airport Director Bern Case said the construction - which includes realigning and resurfacing the airport's main taxiway - won't affect commercial flights. Instead of using the taxiway, aircraft will perform a maneuver called a "back-taxi," which is essentially a U-turn, Case said. It's an inconvenience but it's nothing crews can't handle, he added. "It makes it a little harder for air traffic control when we're busy but it isn't a problem that often," Case said. "This construction project will have only a slight effect on how aircraft will taxi to the runway but the runway itself will not be affected." Case said the airport handled approximately 70,000 flights in 2000, with an estimated 60 commercial flights daily. The main taxiway hasn't been significantly improved since it was built and currently sits approximately 275 feet from the runway. That's not an unsafe distance, but the length doesn't meet current Federal Aviation Administration standards, Case said. LTM Inc. came in with the base bid on the project and began working Monday. Resurfacing and rehabilitation work on the south end of the taxiway is expected to wrap up in September. Excavation for the realignment will end in November. The project also includes installing taxiway lights and airfield signs. According to airport officials, the project will cost an estimated $5.6 million. The FAA gave Jackson County $3.86 million for the project in May through its airport improvement program. Passenger facility charges - a fee attached to airline tickets and used for airport and airfield improvements - will cover the rest of the cost. Case said the second phase of the taxiway project will kick off in the spring. The structure will be resurfaced and a connecting segment added. Airport officials anticipate improving an airfield access road and developing safety access routes. Case said the final phase will be paid for using passenger facility charges and, he hopes, additional funds awarded by the FAA. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.