Seward Airport Improvements (Project: 54857)
Seward Airport Improvements (Project: 54857)
The Resurrection River at Seward Airport in Seward, Alaska, floods the Main Runway (13/31) on a regular basis and often multiple times a year causing repetitive runway closures and costly repairs. In order to improve the safety, reliability, and maintainability of the airport, this project will raise the existing Crosswind Runway (16/34) above flood level and extend it to 3300 feet. The raised Runway 16/34 will be armored with riprap to protect against future flooding and will help provide flood protection to the airport aprons, taxiways, and lease lots. The existing Runway 13/31 will be closed but the embankment will remain in place as additional protection against future flooding.
The proposed work will include:
Shift and raise Runway 16/34 above the 100-year flood level, and lengthen it from 2289’ to 3300’.
Install riprap along Runway 16/34 to armor it against damage from flooding from the river or bay.
Reconfigure and raise taxiways to meet the new runway elevation.
Close Runway 13/31 and Taxiways A, D and E.
Install new runway and taxiway lighting.
Repave the public and GA aprons.
Relocate the ASOS weather station, and install a new airport beacon, segmented circle, and wind cones.
Project website: http://dot.alaska.gov/creg/sewardairport/index.shtml
Project Overview
Project Layout Plan
Schedule:
Construction is anticipated in 2022 and is expected to take one season. The design is nearing 95% completion, with property acquisition and permitting efforts continuing through 2021.
Project History:
Seward Airport Main Runway (13/31) has been overtopped by the Resurrection River numerous times since 2011, forcing repeated closure and repair of the runway. Recurrent flooding has also resulted in a weakened runway embankment, prompting the department to reduce the loading on the runway to service only light aircraft (MTOW under 12,500 pounds). Additionally, the airport pavements and airfield lighting systems are aged and in need of replacement.
In response to recurring flood damage, the Department evaluated alternatives, analyzed environmental impacts, and conducted a hydraulic study of the adjacent floodplain to identify improvements that would protect the airport while minimizing environmental impacts and flood impacts to adjacent properties.
Documents detailing the results of these studies are available on the Document Library page of the project website. The project website also includes a Project FAQs page to address Frequently Asked Questions from the public:
September 11, 2013: Resurrection River overtopping Runway 13/31 and Taxiway A