The scheduled resurfacing of the main runway at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) was completed on 31 May 2007. The project, which began in November 2006, took seven months to complete. It entailed the milling out of the surface and top underlying asphalt layer (to a depth of approximately one foot) and replacing them with a new asphalt mix. In order to avoid impact on airport operations and after consultation with airlines and other runway users, ACSA declared the runway closed to flight operations every night from midnight until 06h00, six nights a week for the entire seven-month period, thus ensuring that the work took place outside of the scheduled flight operations window. Stewart Scott International in conjunction with Netherlands Airport Consultants, were appointed as the specialist consulting engineers and the contract at a project cost of R110 million was awarded to Rand Roads and Zebra as a joint venture. Every work night, a workforce of approximately 200 people along with 60 trucks and other heavy equipment converged on the runway to systematically mill out and replace a section of the runway and ensure that it met the strict regulatory requirements for safe use by the deadline of 06h00. Though this is common practice in airports around the world, each situation is unique and various factors had to be taken into consideration. Based on the weather patterns of the Cape, the November to May period was identified as the best time to schedule such major maintenance. “The just concluded runway resurfacing project was a success story for Cape Town International Airport, as it took place quietly behind the scenes in what happens to be the airport’s peak season with minimal impact on airport operations”, said Cape Town International Airport General Manager, George Uriesi. “The airport now has a brand new runway for which we are thankful for the co-operation of our clients and stakeholders. We are also thankful to the contractors whose professionalism allowed us to deliver this project in line with the highest technical specifications and without a major hitch”, added Uriesi. ENDS Solomon Makgale Manager: Communications Corporate Office Airports Company South Africa
