Oconee County airport to start $6 million taxiway project May 11; limited runway closure expected

A staff member told the Oconee County Aeronautics Commission on April 28 that a $6,000,000 taxiway rehabilitation project at the county airport will begin May 11 and run roughly 100 days, with an expected completion date of Aug. 19 and up to five days of runway closure.

The staff member said the work will include mill and full-depth pavement removal, new asphalt installation west of Alpha 4, replacement of markings and electrical signage, and demolition and westward relocation of the Alpha 3 connector so it no longer opens directly onto the main apron. "What's important is this project is gonna start May 11. It's a total of 100 days," the staff member said.

The FAA required the change to Alpha 3 after observing aircraft occasionally taxi straight from the main ramp into the runway, a safety risk the staff member said has occurred several times, especially at night. "Anytime you change anything you do with the taxiway stuff, they don't want it directly into the main apron," the staff member said, explaining the agency's safety concern.

The presenter told commissioners the project aims to limit operational disruption and that the local share is about $150,000. "It's a $6,000,000 project, and it, you know, it locally cost us a 150 k," the staff member said. The speaker noted an effort to complete work ahead of the county's first football game on Sept. 12.

Commissioners asked questions about the FAA rationale and were told the change reduces pilot confusion and runway incursions. The commission did not take further formal action on the project during the meeting.

The commission will next meet July 28; the presenter said work is planned to be finished before the fall schedule.