Runway Overlay Project
Hobart International Airport is set to commence a major maintenance project known as a Runway Overlay.
The Runway Overlay project involves a rejuvenation of the runway surface and improvement to the sub-base where required. In addition, Hobart International Airport’s airfield lighting system will also concurrently undergo a significant upgrade.
This will be one of the most substantial capital projects since the airfield was originally constructed.
Hobart Airport wishes to advise that the Hobart Airport Runway Overlay Project has now been deferred from its original schedule of 31 October 2011 – 9 December 2011. This is due to delays in equipment reaching Tasmania from New South Wales.
Hobart Airport has always committed to the airlines serving Hobart, that if there was any risk of major runway work extending beyond the 9 December 2011 that work would stop in order to ensure minimal operational disruption during the Christmas period, when passenger and aircraft movements at Hobart Airport are busiest.
The runway overlay project is now scheduled to start on 9 January 2012 with a target completion date of 19 February 2012. The runway will be closed between 22:00 and 06:00 for this period for all flights except the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Some work will continue on the runway and lighting projects throughout the original scheduled period of 31 October 2011 through to 9 December 2011.
All passenger airlines and other aircraft operators have been made aware of the works and have re-arranged their flight schedules to accommodate the maintenance work. There should be no impact to passengers unless flights are delayed, in this instance airlines will manage their services accordingly.
Hobart Airport Runway Overlay Frequently Asked Questions
- What should this project be referred to? The project should be referred to as Runway Overlay.
- What does the project actually entail? The Runway Overlay project involves a rejuvenation of the runway surface and improvement to the sub-base where required. In addition to this, Hobart International Airport’s lighting system will also undergo a significant upgrade.
- Why is the work necessary? The runway pavement surface is now over 20 years old and is approaching the end of its designed life. The runway now needs to be rejuvenated in order to give it an additional life cycle.
- Why is the work being done at this time? Asphalt requires reasonable weather conditions to be laid in. The major works are being done at this time due to expected favourable weather conditions and to minimise passenger airline operational impact.
- When will the project commence? The project has commenced and will have peaks and troughs in visible activities. The main runway works will be visible commencing 9 January 2012.
- What is the expected completion date? The expected completion date for the Runway Overlay is mid-February 2012, subject to favourable weather conditions. The new lighting system will be installed and commissioned by April 2012.
- What does the project mean to local residents? Local residents should not be impacted other than an increase in construction traffic. The traffic is associated with product from Flagstaff Gully quarry being transported to site and additional staff associated with performing the works.
- Will there be more traffic accessing Hobart Airport as a result of the project? The majority of the traffic to the site will be via Surf Road and not via Holyman Avenue.
- What does the project mean for aircraft operations? During the period of the main works scheduled from 9 January 2012 through to mid-February 2012 Hobart Airport’s runway will be closed from 22:00 to 06:00 each night. Aircraft will not be able to land or take off during this timeframe with the exception of Royal Flying Doctor Service.
- What difference will the airport user see at Hobart Airport? Airport users will see an increase in maintenance activities on the airfield both day and night throughout the project.
- Will airport users be inconvenienced in any way by the works? There should not be an impact to airport users throughout the project as airline schedules are catering for the project. In the event of a flight delay airlines will manage their schedules accordingly in order to meet the airport requirements.
- Who is completing the works? The works are being managed by Hobart Airport and completed by Downers, Thorn and BECA.
- How many staff will be working on the project? As the project has numerous stages, various trades will be required. It is projected that at the peak of the works, there will be 110 people on site.
- Will flight paths at Hobart Airport be impacted? There will be no impact to flight paths through the runway works.
- Will there be any restriction on runway use at Hobart Airport? During the period of the main works scheduled from 9 January 2012 through to mid-February 2012 Hobart Airport’s runway will be closed to normal operations from 22:00 to 06:00 each night. In the event that works are cancelled for a night, the runway will remain open.
- What will happen to aircraft wanting to land at Hobart Airport out of these hours? All aircraft operators have been provided with a notice of the works well in advance through a regulated system. There should not be any aircraft wanting to land at Hobart out of hours. In the event on an unforseen emergency, a landing would be accommodated.
- Who do I contact for more information about the Runway Overlay project? Email info@hiapl.com.au or phone 03 62 161 600.