PROJECT OVERVIEW & TIMELINE

 

As a part of CVG's New Heights strategic plan, solidifying and growing the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport's status as an "epicenter of e-commerce" remains a driving force.  Maintaining and building infrastructure on and around the CVG Airport campus is critical to delivering on that objective.  

Runway 9/27 Project Logo

 

Runway 9/27 is CVG’s longest and most utilized runway which directionally runs east/west and is typically heavily used during nighttime operations.  It is critical for air cargo operations, which supports jobs and economic vibrancy. This runway, one of four runways at CVG, required rehabilitation including new asphalt, concrete, and lighting updates. This project was planned for several years, and initial phases began in fall 2020.  In March 2021, Runway 9/27 was closed for the rehabilitation - impacting aircraft landings and takeoffs during that time – moving much of that activity to other runways.  As of October 2021, Runway 9/27 has reopened (although work on taxiways associated with this project will continue into 2022). 

A project of this magnitude and complexity would typically take two construction seasons to complete.  CVG, the FAA and cargo stakeholders worked in partnership to ensure alignment of both funding and project schedules.  This approach, along with intensive upfront engineering and strategic execution planning, has enabled this project to be completed in one construction season, minimizing impact to nearby communities, cargo operations, and the overall 7,700-acre campus operation. 

Timeline Overview: (phase of project requiring runway closures) Mid-March - October 2021


FAST FACTS

  • Project represents a $69 million investment in airfield infrastructure, with 75% of the project funded by the FAA
  • Runway 9/27 is CVG’s longest runway at 12,000 feet, used especially by cargo carriers for the largest and heaviest aircraft
  • Team of 15+ licensed engineers completed the design of this project
  • Nearly 150 staff dedicated to project delivery

 

Runway 9/27 Project Map Overview - March 2021
Picture of Runway 9 27 - March 2 2021

MATERIALS

  • Runway asphalt paving is equivalent to more than 70 lane-miles of asphalt highway resurfacing (4-inch depth)
    • Runway 9/27 is comprised of both asphalt and concrete. The typical thickness of pavement on the runway is 18 inches of concrete with 8 inches of asphalt on top. A typical roadway is 8 to 10 inches of asphalt total. Interstates are typically 15 inches of concrete.
  • 75 + miles of power cables replaced
  • 2,400 + airfield lights and 190+ illuminated signs replaced with new LED fixtures - a more energy efficient and sustainable option than traditional incandescent lighting

SUSTAINABILITY

 

  • Low-grow grass was planted as part of the project to reduce maintenance costs and emissions.
  • Spoils from grinding/milling the asphalt runway were blended in subbase in new pavement section: 14,000 tons
  • Existing concrete was removed, crushed and recycled as subbase: 36,000 tons
  • 60,000 tons of excavated soil and 65,000 tons of topsoil were re-used on site.
  • Lighting makes up more than one-third of this project – CVG Airport converted to LED lights and signs which produces 350 fewer metric tons of CO2 emissions per year (equivalent to electricity use of 60 average homes per year). LED light fixtures are also expected to last 10 years instead of a few months as the previous fixtures did.


Resources

  • New Heights Strategic Plan
  • CVG Blogs:
    • On the Horizon blog serves up the latest stories and news from CVG Airport. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, have a vested interest in the airport or just love to travel, you’re invited to follow along.
    • CVG@Work showcases the people and talents that keep the airport business moving.
    • Jet with Jay shares stories from radio personality Jay Kruz with Mix 94.9FM on his travel journeys and how you can see the world from CVG Airport.  
  • Noise abatement at CVG Airport

 

Runway 9/27 Project Overview

Picture of Runway 9 27 - March 2 2021