Protecting Runway Pavement
One of the most significant objectives shared by all of us in the airports sector of the larger aviation community is assuring that the pavements at our airports continue to be safe and serviceable. Often overshadowed by more visible expenditures for new or expanded facilities, the dollars we allocate for preserving existing pavement are just as important and serve two very essential goals: safety and protecting the federal and local investment.
To accomplish our objectives in this important area, we do two things:
1. Assess the condition of runway pavement, and
2. Direct AIP funds to sustain those pavements at appropriate levels.
To accomplish these directives, we developed and implemented a system for tracking pavement conditions of our NPIAS airport runways. We found that 98% of our region’s airports’ runways are in acceptable condition, exceeding the national goal of 93%. Nevertheless, taking the next step in this process, we identified, programmed and funded 136 projects in 2007 that were needed to preserve and improve existing pavement.
