New De-Ice Pad Apron

A new area for de-icing of aircraft at the Airport will be constructed adjacent to the parallel taxiway south of the passenger terminal in the summer of 2012. This new area will accommodate multiple aircraft at once for de-icing operations, which should result in fewer delayed departures for travelers.

New Taxiway "A3" Connector

A new connector taxiway will be constructed near the runway's mid-point during the summer of 2012. The new Taxiway A3 connector will benefit aircraft by providing an additional ingress/egress route to and from the runway environment.

Runway Safety Area Improvements 

Drainage and safety area improvements on the west side of the runway will be completed during the summer of 2012. This project will reduce surface runoff that can contribute to erosion within the Runway Safety Area.

map

Summer 2012 Construction

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer 2012 Projects

  • Will the construction of these projects effect the operation of the airport?
    No.As required, work on these projects will occur at night (when the airport is closed) to ensure that aircraft operations are not affected.
  • How will these projects be paid for?
    The majority of funding for these projects comes from the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Colorado Aviation Grant Program. The remainder comes from funds that are generated at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
  • Will these improvements change the size of aircraft that utilize the airport?
    No. The size and weight of aircraft the use Aspen/Pitkin County Airport are regulated by County ordinance.

 

Runway Extension

Bids for construction of the runway extension project were accepted in August 2010 with the apparent low bidder identified as Concrete Express, Inc. of Denver. Partial funding for the work was received from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September 2010. The Federal Aviation Administration covered approximately 82% of the $15.4 million cost. The remaining cost was funded with airport revenues and state aeronautics grant funds.

Primary work on the runway extension began in the spring of 2011. Construction of the runway extension was completed on November 2. The runway extension work is fully completed as it pertains to aircraft operations and safety. The remaining work, which is not related to aircraft operations, will be finished in 2012.

For complete information on runway improvements, click here.

Airport Traffic Control Tower Camera System

Installation of underground infrastructure for a camera system that is used as a visual aid for the existing Air Traffic Control Tower was completed in fall 2009. The FAA installed an array of cameras in January 2011 and tested the system for several months before putting it into use in the fall of 2011. This camera system improves visibility of aircraft at the far end of the airfield.

Ongoing Landscaping Projects

The Airport is working at various locations around the property to prevent erosion and promote vegetation that complements its natural setting. A multi-year landscape master plan for the airport is in the process of being adopted by the County. It provides general priorities for future work.