Creatively improving safety and efficiency at New England’s largest airport

Runway 4R-22L Rehabilitation and Approach Light Pier Replacement

Runway 4R-22L is one of Logan Airports busiest and most important runways. In 2017, our team completed the design and construction phase services for the Runway 4R-22L Rehabilitation and Approach Light Pier Replacement. The Runway pavement was beyond its design life and in need of rehabilitation to restore rideability, surface gradient, and surface drainage. The existing timber pier housing the ALSF-2 approach lighting system that is used for low visibility landing operations, was built in the 1940’s and at the end of its useful life. Also, a new pier was needed to withstand rising waters, frigid nor’easters, and more aggressive and more frequent storm events and ensure the approach lighting system stays viable during the critical low visibility conditions when it is needed.

The project included the rehabilitation of approximately 8,800 feet (2,680 meters) of the 10,000-foot (3,050-metre) runway. Specific components of the project included runway pavement rehabilitation inclusive of paved shoulders, three intersecting runways, and twelve intersecting taxiways all to be rehabilitated to beyond the Runway 4R-22L Safety Area. The design included installation of runway status light infrastructure at the intersection of Taxiway C.

The project also included the replacement of the existing timber approach light pier with a precast concrete replacement pier that was designed for a 75-year life span. Specific components of the replacement pier included full inventory and decommissioning the existing ALSF-2 approach lighting system and FARFIELD Monitors, demolition, construction of new drilled shaft and micro-pile foundations, new concrete decking, and more.

With these rehabilitation measures in place, Runway 4R-22L will continue to serve Logan Airport customers for decades to come.