The Cortez Municipal Airport begins closing its runways overnight as part of a construction project aiming to improve the safety and longevity of the airfield. Runways will open again in the daytime to accommodate flights.
The runways will close from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. every night until May 15 as construction workers groove the surface and repaint the runway and taxiway connectors.
Crew will be carving narrow channels into the runway to drain water and prevent pooling on the airfield. Pooling water puts planes at risk of hydroplaning during take off and landing. The channels will be trapezoidal – wider at the top – as opposed to square to optimize water drainage efficiency.
The project will also improve the ability of aircraft to brake on wet conditions, reduce rubber buildup on the airfield and minimize surface chipping.
“These improvements will significantly enhance safety and reliability for all who rely on Cortez Municipal Airport,” Airport Director Kyle Sloan said in a statement. “Our goal is to ensure the airport continues to serve the region with the highest standards of aviation safety and performance.”
avanderveen@the-journal.com
