BANGOR — Over the next several weeks, Bangor International Airport will begin two major renovation and infrastructure improvement projects to enhance passenger experience and give new life to the runway, which is reaching the end of its use.
The Runway Rehab Project is slated to begin April 1 and will be completed in phases during the next two construction seasons, 2024 to 2025.
The City Council awarded the bid Monday night to Eurovia Atlantic Coast LLC, dba Northeast Paving, for the $45 million project.
Airport runways typically are re-done every 15 to 20 years. The project is part of the airport’s Master Plan and includes milling and overlaying the entire 11,440-foot-long runway, as well as some necessary equipment upgrades that support the runway.
The project is funded with $27.4 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, just over $1.5 million each from the Maine Department of Transportation and the airport itself, and approximately $15.9 million from the Maine Air National Guard.
Bangor International Airport is operated as an enterprise fund within the City, therefore it is self-sustaining and no local taxpayer dollars are directed to the airport.
While officials are working hard to minimize the impact to passengers and airport tenants, in order to complete the necessary work there will be times when the runway is closed to air traffic. This timing will occur in two phases:
1. Possible overnight closures during off-peak hours from April 1-26. Passenger traffic should not be impacted.
2. Full runway closure from 8 a.m. Monday to 3 p.m. Wednesday over a four-week period from April 29 to May 24. During this time period there will be no air service available at BGR.
From May 29 to Aug. 30, the runway length will be shortened, but no closures are anticipated.
Although not impactful to aircraft schedules, passengers will soon see additional construction beginning post-security in the domestic terminal. This $14.2 million renovation and reconstruction project is federally funded through the bipartisan infrastructure law. It is designed to enhance the passenger experience while providing much-needed additional gate space at BGR by connecting the domestic and international terminals located post-security.
Passenger traffic numbers have increased significantly – more than 30 percent in the last five years – and there is a high demand for more space and amenities post-security.
While procurement for this project has begun, passengers can expect to see construction beginning in April and continuing over the next approximately 18 months.
“We realize that there is a never a convenient time for runway closures or construction projects to take place, but our goal is to minimize the impact to passengers and tenants while making a significant investment in the airport’s future,” BGR Director Jose Saavedra said. “These projects are not funded by taxpayer dollars, but will certainly benefit all who come to BGR. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure our airport remains a sustainable and successful asset to the City of Bangor and the region for years to come.”
For more information, contact BGR Marketing & Business Development Manager Aimee Thibodeau at [email protected] or 207-992-4610.
