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February 22, 2022

Project Update: Richland Airport (RLD) Electrical Replacement Project

Richland, Wash. – The Port has received some feedback about the Electrical Replacement Project planned for this summer.  There is obvious concern about the potential runway closures to accommodate this project.  The Port completely understands the impact of closing the runways for a portion of this summer.  We are committed to making this runway(s) closure duration as brief as possible.  However, when the work on the intersection of the two runways is being completed, and the contractor has equipment within 250 ft. of the runway, we are required by FAA to close the runway for safety.   We plan to maintain a ~2,000 ft. displaced threshold at the south end of Runway 1 to serve short take-off and landing aircraft during the intersection work.  However, it is impossible to complete the work without impacting the intersections of the two runways requiring runway closures.  As we get a contractor on board likely in April, and plan the specific work schedule, we will attempt to limit this impact as much as possible and keep the airport users regularly informed of the schedule. 

We will issue NOTAMs during the construction period.   It is important to note that while we will have runway closures, we will not be closing the Airport.   We will keep it open for rotorcraft or short takeoff and landing aircraft at all times, and will have at least one runway open for most of the project.

As always, if you have questions about the project, please feel free to contact us RichlandAirport@portofbenton.com.

Schedule

The project construction is proposed to occur in July – October 2022, weather and supply chain dependent.  Until the project contractor is selected by competitive bid, we will not have a detailed date specific schedule.  However, since this work requires work adjacent to active runways and taxiways, runway closures will occur.

Approximate Dates (Proposed)

Construction – Proposed for July – October 2022
Runway 8-26 closed July – August 2022
Both 8-26 and 1-19 runway closures – September 6-24, 2022
Runway 1-19 closed mid-September until the end of October 2022

During the runway intersection closure, we will attempt to have a short temporary displaced threshold on the south end of Runway 1-19.

How do I stay informed?

Visit the Project website.

Click here to send an email to the project group.

Sign up for our eNews and select Aviation, we will be sending out regular emails with the construction updates and schedule.

Notices of the project construction will include signage at the airport, direct mailings, newspaper advertisements and flyers at the airport.

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact the project email or call the Port at 509-375-3060.

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