LBR Inc.

DURANT REGIONAL-EAKER FIELD RUNWAY 17-35 EXTENSION AND OVERLAY

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The Oklahoma Asphalt Pavement Association runner-up in 2020 is the Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field runway extension and overlay. It was completed by Overland Construction company in 66 working days less than were allotted for the project, even though it rained over 60” during the project!  Planning for the project started years prior with a runway extension justification report to the FAA. LBR contacted users and potential users of the airport to help prepare a runway extension justification document to initiate the project. That document was approved by the FAA, and the total runway length was determined to be 6,800’ for the project. An Environmental Assessment was completed next. Completing the environmental requirements early is paramount for these projects. It can be a lengthy process and can cause delays if not addressed early. An AGIS survey was required for submittal before construction began, and after construction was complete. It verified that there were no obstructions, and that the location and elevation of the runway end was in tolerance. The revised approaches were published as soon as the runway was ready to open.

 

The next step was identifying funding for the project. The City of Durant has a great partner in the Choctaw Nation. They supported the project by putting $2,000,000 toward the project. The FAA funded $4,264,707 and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission funded the remaining $224,458.

 

Along with the runway extension and overlay, new LED runway lighting was installed. This included runway end identifier lights (REILS), runway edge lights, runway threshold lights, taxiway lights, 4 box PAPIs, and guidance signs. An FAA flight check was approved, and the lights were commissioned.

 

LBR partnered with the City of Durant at each step of the project from planning, environmental, design, construction management, and ultimately to closeout. This award-winning project will serve the City of Durant and the surrounding area for many years to come. Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field is one of the best airports in Oklahoma. It has 52 based aircraft and a busy flight school. The airport is one of the most successful airports we have had the pleasure of working with and is a great asset for the City of Durant and a boon to the local economy.