Tulsa International Airport’s third phase of the reconstruction of Runway 18L/36R

Tulsa International Airport’s third phase of the reconstruction of Runway 18L/36R  required removal and replacement of the 16″ PCCP, including full airfield electrical, base work, underdrain, asphalt shouldering, existing taxiway demolition, new asphalt access roadway, two aircraft arresting barriers and blast pad reconstruction.  The Tulsa Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing also calls the airport home. Sharing the runway with their attack squadron flying F-16 Fighting Falcons added to the organizational requirements.

Runway 18L/36R is the primary, and longest, runway at Tulsa, making it critical that all work be completed prior to the Oklahoma summer’s busy season. To comply with the project phasing of the 134 calendar days, construction began on January 2. During reconstruction, the Tulsa area experienced one of the wettest winter/spring seasons in recent history. Forty-five adverse weather days were experienced during construction. To overcome the schedule challenges, the project team used a phased approach with multiple crews.  The close coordination and cooperation from all stakeholders resulted in a safe project and re-opened the runway 9 days ahead of schedule.

The project received the OK Chapter ACPA Gold award for Commercial and Military Airports.