Methow Valley State Airport – 2011/2012 Airport Improvements Project

Countdown to Construction

Methow Valley State Airport 



 

The recently completed Methow Valley State Airport Layout Plan (ALP) laid the groundwork for identifying future safety improvements at the airport. The 2011 Methow Valley State Airport Improvements Project includes airport lighting improvements, obstruction surveying, obstruction removal, perimeter fencing, and runway safety area grading.

Why is WSDOT making these improvements?
The Methow ALP identified the need for several safety improvements. Methow's runway 13/31 currently has a deteriorating low voltage runway edge lighting system, and non standard, un-lighted guidance and distance to go signs. The existing runway lighting system is activated by a photo sensor and/or pilot control, both of which are non operational.  Because of this, the lights have to be left on 24 hours a day on a low intensity setting. This project will replace the lighting system with an updated, energy efficient system. Addtionally, new directional signs will replace the worn and outdated signs.

The south and southeast end of the airport, parallel to Evans Road, is lined with large concrete barriers that create an airspace obstruction. This project will replace the concrete barriers with fencing constructed with frangible couplings. This material is designed to break away in the event of a crash to minimize damage to aircraft. The project will also replace damaged and dilapidated fencing on the airport's perimeter with new fencing and gates.

Also, to improve safety on Evans Road, crews will install traffic warning signals or signs on the road. This will is increase driver awareness of runway operations and low flying aircraft.

The project will also construct navigational aids enhancing the safety of aircraft landing at the airport including:

• 2-Box Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) for the Runway 13 approach.
• Rotating beacon.
• Lighted windcone and segmented circle.

The End Result
This project will result in a safer facility at the Methow Valley State Airport. 

Project Benefits

• Safety - This project will replace aging navigational aids and address runway safety area issues to improve safety at the airport.
• Environment - The installation of new regulators and pilot/radio controls will allow the runway lights to be operated only as needed by aircraft, reducing energy consumption and minimizing impact to airport neighbors and the community.

What is the project timeline?

• June 2010 to June 2011 - Design engineering and environmental review
• May 2011 - Project information meeting held in Winthrop, Washington
• June 2011 - Advertise project for bids
• July 2011 - Bid opening
• September 2011 - WSDOT receives FAA grant funding 95 percent of the total project costs
• October 17, 2011 - Construction scheduled to begin
• November 23, 2011 - Phase I construction to be complete
• May 7, 2012 - Phase II construction to resume
• July 7, 2012 - Phase II construction to be complete

Financial Information

This project is funded through the following sources:

• Federal Aviation Adminisration - $924,113
• WSDOT Aviation (Aeronautics Fund) - $48,637
• Total Funding Available From All Sources - $972,750

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Eric Johnson, Construction Project Manager
WSDOT Aviation
Phone:  (360) 651-6303
E-mail:  johnsel@wsdot.wa.gov

or

Matt Rogers, Project Engineer
Century West Engineering
Phone:  (541) 322-8962
E-mail:  WRogers@CenturyWest.com

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