RST Breaks Ground on $79.2 Million Runways Improvements Project
Rochester International Airport (RST) broke ground on Phase 1 of construction on RST’s runway improvements project on May 7.
“We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and support that has brought us to this point. Funding a large project requires great collaboration at the federal, state and local levels,” said John Reed, RST’s executive director. “Reconstruction of Runway 2/20 kicks off today, resulting in new jobs in our area and ensuring uninterrupted air access for travelers in our region.”
RST’s runway project is a multi-year, multi-phase project to replace Runway 2/20, which has reached the end of its useful life. The total cost of the project is $79.2 million and includes:
- A 1,647-foot extension to Runway 2/20 and Taxiway B
- New 40-inch pavement section (sand, gravel, pavement)
- 275,000 square yards of pavement removed and recycled
- 1.7 million cubic yards of material excavated
- 8 miles of underdrain tile to improve drainage
- 13 miles of underground electrical cable and conduit
- 500 new LED runway and taxiway lights
- Improved approach capabilities
The project was funded with $62.8 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, $11.4 million from the State of Minnesota and $5.0 million in local funding.
