JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 14 kicking off preparation and construction of an extension to one of the two runways at Elmendorf Field.
The north-south 16/34 runway, which is currently 7,500 feet, will be extended 2,900 feet to make the length of the runway 10,000 feet and shift the southern threshold of the runway 400 feet to the north to meet airfield design requirements.
According to the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, this project is the largest Pacific Air Forces construction project awarded to date.
In late July, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District awarded the $309 million runway extension contract to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. as the prime contractor.
“Runway 16/34's current length limits the operational capability of flying missions for large-frame aircraft, particularly in inclement weather,” said Beth Madison, project engineer with JBER’s 673d Civil Engineer Squadron. “This creates a heavy reliance on runway 06/24. Any time runway 06/24 is closed or unusable it limits JBER's capability to project power into the Indo-Pacific region.”
According to Madison, lengthening runway 16/34 to 10,000 feet, equal to the east-west runway 06/24, will provide full capability for all airframes and optimize mission performance.
The project will also extend the two parallel taxiways; add an arm/disarm pad; upgrade the airfield lighting and the instrument landing system; re-route Airlifter Drive around the north end of the extension; relocate airfield perimeter fencing and reconfigure utility services in the area.
Not only will the runway extension improve mission capability at JBER, surrounding communities and civilian aviators may see a benefit once the project is complete.
“Shifting more operations to an extended runway 16/34 will reduce conflicts with civilian aircraft operating through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Lake Hood Seaplane Base, and Merrill Field,” said Madison. “This will increase safety for military and civilian air crews and minimize impacts to flight operations. Departures to the north may also reduce noise in neighborhoods on the north side of Anchorage.”
Major excavation is anticipated to begin Nov. 2 and the contract completion date is September 2025.
Military and civilian participants in the groundbreaking ceremony as well as subject matter experts with 673d CES, USACE Alaska District and Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. will be available for interviews.
Media interested in visiting the base to cover the event should RSVP by 4 p.m. Oct. 13, by emailing jber.pa.mediaops@us.af.mil or calling 907-552-8160. A meeting time and location will be provided to media at the time of RSVP.