Work is Started on Runway 13/31!

Work has started on the repairs to Storm Lake Runway 13/31.  This project involves panel replacement and crack and joint sealing activities.

Mudball and cracks on the runway

While cracks are the biggest issue on the runway, repairs will also be made to panels that have mudballs. Mudballs are created when concrete with balls of mud in the mixture is poured. Over time, the balls rise to the top of the concrete, freeze, thaw, and refreeze, and eventually break a hole through the top of the concrete. A subcontractor will come in to fix the mudballs. They will take out a small portion of the panel surrounding the mudball, square it off, and pour new concrete. Right now, crews are working on replacing entire panels.

   Panels all along the runway need replacement, as seen in the photo above. Currently, work is being done on the East half of the South end of the runway. Work is only being done on one side of the runway so trucks and construction vehicles can drive on the other half of the runway. There are several steps to replacing the panels, and some panels are farther along in the process than others.  

Old panels being broken up and removed from Runway

Contractor preparing subgrade for paving of panels on Runway

In some areas, workers have finished clearing the area of concrete, preparing the subgrade, and laying down a gravel sub base, and have started building forms for the new panels and installing rebar

Worker building forms for new panels

A worker drilling holes for steel rebar, which will connect existing panels to new ones and to add support to the Runway

Some of the rebar that will be put into the runway

Rebar that has been installed in the runway.

Pouring on panels in this portion of the runway should start tomorrow (Wednesday, June 23rd).
Runway 13/31 is closed to all air traffic, there are NOTAMS in place to notify pilots.  The project is approximately ten percent done and is expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete.