Gibraltar Airfield Resurfacing

Completed two weeks early and on budget, this £8 million programme of refurbishment was undertaken to ensure the long-term durability and functionality of the runway, with the new surface expected to last for 25 years.

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This project was challenging for several reasons, not least because it was delivered within an operational airport, and so all airfield activities had to remain fully operational and unimpeded. Works were therefore delivered a night during airfield shut down periods. Logistically, the supply chain and provision of raw construction material was also a significant consideration. Due to the nature of the works, and the necessity to reopen the airfield every morning, robust management processes had to be in place to ensure the continued delivery (and disposal) of material, and continuation of works, considering also potential risk implications of delays of materials through the Gibraltar/Spain border. With over 15,000 tonnes of asphalt,8km of ductwork, and over 100,000km of cabling to be installed, along with200+ AGL installations, interruption in the continuous supply of material was not an option.

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Managed by one of our local PMs, this was an exemplar case of why close liaison with all parties is essential. It’s important in any project of course, but perhaps especially so in this case, where DIO, RAF Gibraltar, the contractor; the design/management team, and the Government of Gibraltar had to be fully aligned.