Due to a $7.3 million runway resurfacing project currently in progress, the Springfield-Branson National Airport is scheduled to close for 72 hours Aug. 12-15.
Maryland Heights-based Iron Mountain Construction Services began resurfacing one of the airport's two runways in June. The closure will occur as the work reaches the intersection of the two runways, according to a news release.
Shawn Schroeder, interim director of aviation, said it is standard practice for the airport to close a runway, but it's unusual to close both at the same time.
"This last occurred in 1972 for similar work. However, that closure was for nearly a month,” Schroeder said in the release. “We’ve explored every possible scenario for completing this resurfacing project without a closure. ... This is simply the only viable option."
Brian Weiler is slated to start work as director of aviation at the Springfield-Branson National Airport Aug. 1.
When the airport contracted with Iron Mountain, it put in place a clause stipulating the company would be penalized to the tune of $4,000 per hour for every hour the airport remains closed beyond the planned 72 hours, according to
Springfield Business Journal archives.
The resurfacing project is scheduled for completion in early November. When the work is complete, it is expected the runway will not need resurfacing for 25 to 30 years. The other runway, which was resurfaced in 2003, likely will not need another resurfacing job for about 20 years, the release said.
The airport will use the closure time to perform general maintenance and train employees. Airport vendors will decide individually whether to stay open while the airport is closed.[[In-content Ad]]
