Rehabbed Redmond runway reopens for holidays

The Redmond Municipal Airport has reopened its primary Runway 4-22 after Phase 1 pavement rehabilitation construction was “substantially completed,” officials said Monday.

The pavement rehabilitation of Runway 4-22 is a $20 million multi-phase project that is “part of the City of Redmond’s continuing commitment to provide the highest quality airport facilities and services to the central Oregon region and its air travel needs,” the airport statement said.

An airport official said the runway reopened Nov. 13, just as an early-season snowstorm moved into the region.

Runway 4-22 Phase 1 construction consisted of: full-depth asphalt runway reconstruction of approximately 1,290 feet in length by 150 feet wide; runway drainage improvements; new high-intensity runway lights; and grading to improve runway shoulder and runway safety areas.

Phase 1 construction required closure of Runway 4-22 and its instrument landing system. This work was completed in 77 days and was within budget, officials said.

The remaining Phase 1 construction items require warmer weather and will be completed this coming spring. High Desert Aggregate and Paving of Terrebonne will return to groove runway pavement and apply final paint application, bringing Phase 1 to full completion.

The city extended its appreciation to High Desert Aggregate and Paving for their willingness to work with the city’s request to change the project’s original start date from August 18th to September 15th to accommodate aerial firefighting operations conducted by the U.S. Forest Service.

They worked evenings, weekends and in a snow storm in order to facilitate the opening of Runway 4-22 for the busy winter season.