05/09/2026
May 7, 2026
Summary:
This is our third update on our TxDOT Aviation Pavement and Drainage Project 2512GVLST, covering Taxiway E Realignment, Airfield Drainage Improvements, and Terminal Apron Hardstands. New information appears in RED.
Funding:
Federal funds cover 95% of the $10,277,900 project cost, with the remaining 5% covered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and airport funds.
All information below is subject to change due to weather conditions and contractor equipment breakdowns.
Current Project Construction Phases:
Taxiway E:
Phase 1-1 has experienced significant delays due to multiple factors, but the work is now complete.
Completed work included building a new taxiway outside the Runway Object Free Area (R-OFA) from the North Apron to the previously closed runway on the east side of Runway 18, and another taxiway on the west side of Runway 18 that connects to the previously closed runway. All taxiway lights have been installed, grading has been improved to ensure proper drainage, and the area has been seeded.
The only remaining task is to mark the taxiways within the work area.
This area will remain closed until Phase 1-2 is completed, which includes closing Runway 18/36.
Please see Attached Photo Taxiway E – Phase 1 for the specific locations of Phase 1-1 work.
Phase 1-2 requires us to close Runway 18/36 for the duration of the work, which is scheduled to last 67 days, from May 11, 2026, to July 17, 2026.
Work includes building new taxiways within the R-OFA that connect Runway 18 to the Phase 1-1 taxiways on each side of the runway.
The project includes removing existing concrete and soil from both the east and west sides of Runway 18. The soil will then be stabilized with a 12-inch cement-treated subgrade. A 9-inch layer of hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) will be placed, followed by construction of the taxiway using a 13.5-inch Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP). Finally, new taxiway lighting and signage will be installed.
Once completed, Runway 18/36 and the new Taxiway E on the east side of Runway 18 will open.
Phase 2-2 was originally intended to be the final phase of the project. This phase was to rehabilitate the deactivated, closed runway and to build a new 90-degree taxiway outside the R-OFA to connect to Runway 14.
Work completed to date includes all joint seals, spall repairs, and the installation of new taxiway lights on the new taxiway section of the previously closed runway.
Please see Attached Photo Taxiway E – Phase 4 for the specific locations of Phase 2-2 work.
Apron Hardstands:
The terminal apron hardstands include three concrete aircraft parking spots, each 180 feet long and 60 feet wide, to accommodate fully loaded C-17 aircraft. These are intended to support emergency operations typically associated with significant weather events.
This phase of the work experienced many of the same delays as Phase 1-1, but it is now complete, with new tie-downs as needed.
The only remaining work is to mark the center stripe and tie-down markings on the hardstands within the work area.
NOTAMs 03/030 and 05/003 will be canceled around May 26, when the concrete reaches full strength or 28 days have passed, whichever comes first, thereby reopening the apron area in front of the airport terminal.
Airfield Drainage:
Airfield drainage improvements will include clearing the existing drain lines, rehabilitating the areas around the inlet grates, and correcting grade issues to improve drainage between Taxiways C and the outfall on Offatts Bayou, and between the drain lines south of Taxiway C and north of Taxiway A to the outfall on Sydnor’s Bayou.
The total duration is 45 days.
There are two phases in this part of the project.
Phase 1-2 started this week between Taxiway D and Taxiway E. Next week, the contractor should start work between Taxiway C and Taxiway D.
NOTAMs are being issued to alert of work in progress (WIP) in this area.
Please see Attached Photo Drainage – Phase 2 for the specific location of the Phase 2 work.
