Dan Harmon (left) presents Andrews County Airport Manager Robert Vargas (second to the left) with the Regional Airport Project of the Year award.
Cost-effective. Sustainable. Efficient.
These three words define more than just a reconstruction project; they embody the spirit of innovation at Andrews County Airport.
This project encompassed the reconstruction of Andrews County Airport’s main asphalt runway, Runway 16-34, spanning an impressive 5,816 feet. This project also involved the partial reconstruction of Taxiways A, B, C and G. But what sets this project apart is the chosen methodology — full-depth reclamation (FDR).
Instead of the conventional approach of removing the entire existing pavement section and replacing it with new material, FDR pulverizes the existing asphalt and blends it with cement, creating a fortified and flexible base. The result? A sustainable solution that significantly reduces emissions and eliminates the costly process of hauling materials on and off-site.
Beyond the runway, the project addressed critical safety concerns and optimized operational efficiency. The realignment of Taxiway H provided safer access from Runway 11-29 to Taxiway A, while the reconstruction of Taxiway G minimized risks and increased pilot situational awareness.
Robert Vargas gives his remarks at the podium during the Regional Airport Project of the Year award ceremony.
With the project savings from FDR, Andrews County Airport maximized its growth potential, expanding the development area by 4.5 acres. This expansion creates opportunities for new hangars, paving the way for future development. But that’s not all — electrical lighting upgrades, small drainage improvements and adjustments to the Runway Safety Area grades were implemented to meet with Federal Aviation Administration slope requirements.
The two-phase construction plan not only minimized runway closures but also ensured minimal disruption to businesses relying on the airport. By embracing a cost-effective, sustainable and efficient approach, this project has not only reconstructed infrastructure but has laid the foundation for a brighter future at Andrews County Airport.