Glacier Park International Airport completes second phase of runway rehabilitation

Glacier Park International Airport successfully completed the second of four planned weekly closures for the runway rehabilitation project.  

The primary runway reopened on schedule, on July 17. Crews continued making significant progress on the airport's primary runway, completing rehabilitation work on an additional section while improving critical airfield infrastructure that supports the long-term safety and reliability of airport operations. 

During the second construction phase, crews completed the rehabilitation of 3,300 feet of runway and construction of two new taxiways. The work required approximately 15,000 tons of asphalt with 5,000 cubic yards of aggregate base material, 1,500 truckloads of material, as well as electrical, airfield lighting and communications system improvements. 

"This project continues to move forward exactly as planned thanks to the tremendous coordination of our contractors, airport staff, airlines and project partners," Rob Ratkowski, GPIA director, said. "Each completed phase represents another step toward ensuring the Flathead Valley has a safe, reliable airport for decades to come.” 

The success of the project continues to be made possible through the expertise and dedication of a large construction team. Glacier Park International Airport extends appreciation to LHC, Inc. for their work on milling and demolition, earthwork, grading, paving, drainage improvements and concrete foundations, and to TJ Gardner for completing the project's electrical, airfield lighting, and communications improvements. Their commitment to quality, safety, and around-the-clock operations has been instrumental in keeping the project on schedule. 

The rehabilitation project is being completed in four consecutive weekly construction phases. During each closure, crews work continuously from Monday evening through Friday morning before reopening the runway for the weekend to accommodate peak passenger travel. Passengers traveling in the coming weeks are encouraged to continue checking with their airline for the latest flight information.  

For more information visit iflyglacier.com/runway-rehabilitation.