Our detailed design helped to improve the safety and efficiency of the airport as travel ramps up
The Cayman Islands are a popular tourist destination. With post-pandemic tourism expected to increase activity at its Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) airport, the Cayman Islands Airport Authority retained our expertise to complete a detailed design, and provide construction administration services, to facilitate needed airfield improvements.
Our work included designing a runway extension, new apron, and partial parallel taxiway. These improvements will make the airfield more efficient, while improving safety at the same time. The existing runway was extended by 875-feet, and the terminal apron was expanded to accommodate parking two code E or four code C sized aircraft. A partial parallel taxiway and new perimeter road were constructed, ground lighting for the runway was also upgraded to LED. Due to the hot, breezy climate, special attention was paid to the concrete curing process to reduce shrinkage cracks.
The airport’s topography is low lying, and parts of the airport flood frequently. Existing ponds along the proposed runway extension were filled with structural stone to support the extension. In other areas of flooding, underground detention systems were installed, along with drainage deep-wells to dissipate the water.
In lieu of construction to be completed during scheduled nightly closures, airport restrictions due to COVID-19 allowed the contractor to work more or less unencumbered, allowing for more efficient project phasing, which benefited construction operations as well as the overall final product.
Dave Dargie, Vice President, Aviation Engineering Manager
It’s my job to collaborate with owners and operators to design safe and efficient airports to enhance our air travel experience.
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