Better, not bigger | Airport runway rehabilitation update, construction schedule

||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS |||

Last Fall we announced our “Better, Not Bigger” airport pavement rehabilitation project — a partnership between the FAA, WSDOT, and the Port to resurface and reseal the runway, taxiways, and apron, preserving the airport’s current footprint for decades to come.

Since then, we’ve worked closely with Granite Construction, Precision Approach Engineering, the FAA, WSDOT, and San Juan County to make sure we’re not only doing the right project, but doing it the right way. This is a once-in-a-generation investment in critical island infrastructure, and throughout planning we’ve looked for every opportunity to minimize impacts on our community — economically, operationally, and environmentally.

Helipad service will not be affected. Throughout every phase of construction, the airport’s helipad will remain fully open and operational. There will be no impact to medical evacuation heli-flights off the island.

As an example of community-first thinking: we intentionally scheduled construction after the busy summer travel season. By accepting the increased weather risk that comes with a Fall construction window, we help ensure summer visitors, local businesses, and residents experience as little disruption as possible during the island’s busiest months.

We are also finalizing details on how asphalt will be produced and delivered for the project — an important decision with real implications for transportation, emissions, schedule reliability, and construction quality. We’ll have more to share on that soon.

No construction project is entirely without impact. Our goal has been to carefully weigh those impacts and choose the approach that delivers the greatest long-term benefit with the least short-term disruption — and we’ll continue to share our thinking as plans are finalized.

Below you’ll find details on project scheduling, runway closure dates, construction activities, and what residents and airport users can expect during the rehabilitation effort.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to preserve this important community asset.

Better. Not Bigger.

Project Schedule Overview

Construction will occur in three main phases, allowing us to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible while minimizing overall disruption.

Phase 1 – Preparatory Work
August 29 – September 7

Runway 16-34 will remain fully operational during this phase. Taxiway A and the northern portion of the terminal apron will be closed while crews begin site preparation, including:

• Demolition and pavement removal
• Installation of stormwater pipes and drainage structures
• Excavation and localized pavement repairs

Phase 2 – Runway Closure Period
September 8 – September 23

This phase includes the most significant construction activities and requires closure of Runway 16-34, Taxiway A, and Terminal Apron. The helipad will remain open throughout this closure period, with no interruption to EMS helicopter flights.

Work will include:

• Demolition and pavement removal
• Installation of stormwater pipes and drainage structures
• Pavement repair
• Paving of Runway 16-34
• Paving of the southern portion of the terminal apron
• Crack sealing and seal coating of blast pads, apron areas, and taxilanes
• Placement of initial runway markings

This is the period when the majority of visible progress will occur, transforming decades-old pavement into a renewed airfield surface designed to serve the community for many years to come.

Phase 3 – Final Airfield Improvements
September 24 – October 3

Following runway reopening, Taxiway A and the northern portion of the terminal apron will be closed while crews complete remaining airfield improvements, including:

• Paving Taxiway A and the northern portion of the terminal apron
• Placement of initial taxiway and apron markings
• Installation of aircraft tie-down anchors

The runway is expected to be available for normal operations.