Work is continuing on the Powell River Airport runway extension with the project at approximately week two of its six-week duration.
City of Powell River is investing $1.5 million at Powell River Airport to comply with Transport Canada safety regulations.
A grant awarded to the city from the BC Air Access Program will cover 75 per cent of the project cost.
“When completed, the runway will meet Transport Canada requirements for a flat 60-metre strip of ground that extends from the end of the runway pavement to act as a safety area,” stated airport coordinator Denis Dilworth in a media release.
The project is being carried out at night and the runway will be shut down from 7:30 pm to 6:20 am.
“This will not affect any of the regular day-to-day functions of the airport, but the runway will be closed at night,” stated Dilworth. “People in the vicinity of Duncan Street and Manson Avenue can expect construction noise.”
Approximately 2,000 truckloads of materials will be transported to the airport. According to the city’s public works department, there will be a dump truck arriving at the construction site every five minutes for the next four weeks.
Mayor Dave Formosa is asking residents to be understanding while the important infrastructure project proceeds.
“We know there’s going to be some noise from these trucks, and we apologize to our citizens, especially people living near the airport,” stated Formosa. “I think people will be patient and put up with the inconvenience because this is about safety at our airport.”
The $1.5 million-dollar contract was put out to public tender and awarded to a Vancouver company.
