Gaspé Airport
Gaspé Airport
2020
Airport
The project involved extending Runway 10-28 at Gaspé Airport, rehabilitating the existing pavement, and upgrading visual aids to enhance the safety and reliability of air operations.
The runway extension, combined with the installation of a precision approach, significantly reduced flight cancellations, increasing the landing success rate from 85% to 98%. This improvement ensures continued air service even under adverse weather conditions.
The mandate included the 304-metre westward extension of the runway, upgrades to wind indicators, pavement markings, lighting, and signage, rehabilitation of the existing runway surface, taxiway, and apron, as well as various maintenance works such as grading at runway edges and catch basin head repairs.
Project Features and Complexity
The project presented several challenges:
- Meeting a tight schedule for plans and specifications with limited local resources (laboratory and survey)
- Strict quality control using only a single local asphalt supplier
- Adhering to the three-week runway closure timeline for construction activities
To optimize execution, the project used drone (LIDAR) surveys, and on-site fill material was reused for the runway extension, reducing costs and ensuring uniform behavior of the surrounding fill area.
Environmentally Responsible Approach
The project was carried out with careful attention to environmental impacts. Protection of a wetland located on the site and the reuse of on-site fill material for the runway extension significantly reduced the environmental footprint and minimized the need for external material supply.
Works Performed
The mandate included the following activities:
- Clearing and grubbing
- Excavation and Class 2 backfilling
- Grading or construction of drainage ditches for the runway
- Construction of an asphalt pavement for the runway extension at Threshold 10
- Construction of a drainage trench
- Grading and paving of asphalt surfaces
- Permanent marking of the runway and maneuvering areas
- Wetland protection during construction
- Replacement and installation of runway and taxiway lighting
- Relocation of wind sock, PAPI system, and ODALS approach system
- Installation of signage panels
Operations Management
The work was executed with a minimal runway closure, allowing airfield operations to continue and limiting the impact on flights. This approach was essential to ensure the safety and reliability of airport services throughout the project.
