J.R. Vinagro is leading a sitework project involving a two-phase full reconstruction of an 8,000-foot long and 200-foot-wide runway. The project includes importing 125,000 yards of material, installing over 20,000 feet of new drainpipe and structures, installing large duct bill tide gates, and chambers below sea level. Also, the project includes installation of new runway lighting, signage, and other electrical infrastructure, including duct banks, hand holes, and conduit/cabling. Lastly, J.R. Vinagro is regrading all sides along the runway, adding a new topsoil layer with seeding, and applying new grooving and pavement markings to the runway surface. A total of 9 inches of Hot Mix Asphalt will be placed on the runway in 4 total lifts, two 2.5” thick of base, and two 2” thick of surface course totaling 60,000 tons during Phase 1 in 2024.
The project presents several challenges, including managing a tidally effected water table during drainage installation, which complicates excavation and pipe placement. Paving this runway includes developing a mix designed to meet the jobs specifications and having on time and accurate oil deliveries to the asphalt plant. The runway requires achieving high levels of in-place compaction. Producing the specific FAA mix for paving this runway while continuing to run a second paving crew on other jobs created a challenge outside of this project. J.R. Vinagro is also working under an aggressive schedule while coordinating operations alongside an active runway and a National Guard base, requiring heightened safety measures and careful planning to minimize disruptions.
While working along an active runway and having a tidally affected water table, a nature driven challenge, proper scheduling and preparation have been key to overcoming these challenges. J.R. Vinagro has accelerated the paving operation schedule by increasing daily production levels to over 2000 tons per day and utilizing GPS (3D and 2D) to achieve accurate grade and slope while paving. The job is on schedule with Phase 1 being completed in the Fall of 2024 and Phase 2 beginning in the Spring of 2025.