26 June 2008
Jersey Airport is about to undergo a major programme of essential work to resurface and strengthen its runway, which has reached the end of its useful life. The work will be done at night between 15 September 2008 and approximately 30 April 2009, although it is hoped the project will be completed before this date.
The runway was last resurfaced during the winter of 1989/1990 and it was estimated this would last for 15 years. Fortunately, the high quality of the material used has extended this period for another three years. But it now needs replacing not just to continue the growth in air traffic and accommodate larger and heavier modern aircraft but to meet the required safety standards.
The scheme is being project managed by Capita Symonds (CI) Ltd, a company which has already built up a successful portfolio of projects at Jersey Airport, including the North and South Aprons, the Fire Training Ground as well as the Alpha Taxiway realignment. The contractors are Fitzpatrick, who will carry out the runway resurfacing, re-profiling and strengthening works. They will also make improvements to the runway lighting, which has to be temporarily removed to allow the resurfacing to take place. Specialist asphalt paving contractors Colas have also been appointed as part of the Fitzpatrick team for the runway project.
The proposed programme of work envisages construction work to be carried out five nights a week, Monday to Friday, for all activities except for the resurfacing part of the works, which are currently scheduled to take place six nights a week, Monday to Saturday. No work is scheduled to take place on Sundays or over holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year and Easter. Work will take place between 9pm and 6am when both the airport and runway are closed.
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Alan Maclean, who has specific responsibility for Jersey Airport regrets any inconvenience the work may cause for residents and businesses within the area but said, “The resurfacing of the runway is essential to the safe operation of Jersey Airport and its capability to accommodate modern aircraft. However, the most unfortunate aspect of this work is that it can only be carried out at night”.
Project Manager for the Runway Works, Dr David Tisdale, said, “Together with the contractor, we have worked with a number of business partners, including the Emergency Services, Health Protection, Jersey Post and Jersey Distribution as well as the airlines serving the Island to ensure this major project causes the minimum of disruption to services. There should be little or no impact on the daytime commercial operations of the airport. The appointed contractor has extensive experience on similar works and understands the need to ensure the runway is reopened on time each morning”.
Due to the later opening of the runway at 6am rather than the usual 5.30am, there will be delays on both the postal and national newspaper delivery services. However, both Jersey Post and Jersey Distribution are working with Jersey Airport to ensure these are kept to a minimum.
A public information leaflet giving details of the proposed works is being delivered on Thursday morning, 26 June to all parishioners in St Peter as well as those parishioners of St Brelade whose property neighbours Jersey Airport. The leaflet will also be available at Parish Halls, Public Libraries, Cyril Le Marquand House and Morier House. Information is also available online at www.jerseyairport.com
The Project Management Team is holding a public drop-in at St Peter’s Parish Hall on Saturday 28 June between 10am and 4pm for anyone who wishes to discuss the runways works in more detail. Information Boards will also be on display in the airport’s meet & greet arrivals hall from Monday 30 June for 2 weeks.
An approved budget of £19.5 million pounds has been allocated to the project. However, following negotiations with the appointed contractor the Project Management Team are hoping to bring the overall costs down to around £17.2 million, which includes all design costs, repairs, materials and associated costs.
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