Toronto Pearson hosts ground-breaking ceremony for runway rehabilitation
By Adam Freill
Asphalt Concrete Construction Green Construction InfrastructurePearson's second-busiest runway will be temporarily closed to late fall for a complete rehabilitation.
Greater Toronto Airports Authority kicks off one of the largest runway rehabilitation projects in Pearson airport’s history. (Source: Greater Toronto Airports Authority)
A ground-breaking ceremony was held earlier this week at Toronto Pearson for one of the largest runway rehabilitation projects in the airport’s history. Runway 06L/24R, Pearson’s second-busiest runway, will be temporarily closed to late fall for a complete rehabilitation. Modern innovation and advanced planning will allow Pearson to complete the project in eight months.
First built in the 1960s, the three-kilometre runway requires a complete rehabilitation due to the wearing down of its concrete sub-structure by weather conditions, use and time. The project will extend the life of the runway by 30 years and enhance the safety of the runway.
The project, being built by lead contractor Dufferin Construction, will include the use of recycled materials and upgrades to 1,800 LED lights, which will help enhance safety and reduce its carbon footprint. Other environmentally friendly construction practices include using crushed concrete from the runway pavement removal for the sub-base and base materials, and recycled milling asphalt materials on approach roads in the vicinity of the runway.
“This rehabilitation is about building essential infrastructure that is required for the economy of the region, the province and the nation,” said Deborah Flint, president and CEO of the GTAA. “A strong Pearson will support Canada’s recovery.”
“As Canada works towards recovery from the pandemic, investments in our airport infrastructure continue to be crucial to maintain safety, security and connectivity for travellers, workers and communities,” said The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport.
Local elected officials, GTAA executives and representatives from Dufferin Construction, as well as airport consulting firm Avia NG, were also on hand to mark the occasion.
