PROJECT

Runway Relocation & Reconstruction

We are the program manager and construction manager for the design-build runway relocation and reconstruction at Rafael Hernandez International Airport (BQN) in Puerto Rico. The existing runway will be converted to a taxiway once the new runway is operational.

Runway and taxiway design and construction will include new taxiway and runway lighting, updated airfield drainage due to the increase in pervious area, and sinkhole mitigation as necessary. The new runway and modified parallel taxiway will result in over 300,000 square yards of new Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement and over 11 miles of new cable and conduit to support the new airfield electrical system. Existing power poles will be relocated to remove obstructions for the new runway approaches.

The five-year project will be financed with federal grants and Puerto Rico Ports Authority funds and will be the largest infrastructure project in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The ports authority selected design-build for the project delivery method.

As of late 2024, we have completed the project’s design criteria package, which provides prospective bidders with understanding of the elements involved in the design and preparation of the construction documents. Elements studied and covered in the package include operational safety and phasing, pavement design, airfield lighting and signage, pavement markings, drainage design, environmental considerations, and existing utilities.

Client

Puerto Rico Ports Authority

Location

Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Region

Southeast

Services

Aviation Infrastructure

Airfield Paving & Airside Services

Airfield Lighting & NAVAIDS

Program Management

Industry

Aviation

Inspections had determined the runway had reached the end of its usable life and had reduced aircraft movement efficiency. New runway 8-26 will become the single runway servicing BQN and satisfy requirements for Airplane Design Group V, Approach Category D, using a Boeing 747-400 as the design aircraft. The runway will be 11,000 feet long by 150 feet wide and meet the geometric requirements in Advisory Circular 150/5300-13. The new Taxiway L will meet the standards of Taxiway Design Group 5 aircraft.

We also assisted the Puerto Rico Ports Authority with selecting a design-builder (DB). This included issuance of a Request for Qualifications to select qualified DB teams and subsequent issue of a Request for Proposals. Significant coordination was required with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Puerto Rico government to secure funding. The selection process was completed in late 2024.