Flatiron rehabilitated Taxiway C at the San Diego International Airport (SDIA) by demolishing and rebuilding the existing taxiway. SDIA is considered the busiest single-runway airport in the country. Work included surface prep followed by the full depth removal of the taxiway’s AC and concrete pavement and then placement of new AC, concrete pavement, and storm drains. New utilities, airfield electrical signs and lighting, and in-pavement lighting was installed. Existing electrical signs were modified and existing airfield pavement markings were reconfigured to accommodate a new taxiway and new access points to Taxiway C.

Some work was performed at night during tight work windows to accommodate the live airports since the entire taxiway could not be shut down during construction. Crews coordinated with the airport control tower to close the taxiway for a short time late at night to allow crews to safely demolish sections of the existing taxiway. After each night shift, crews were then required to build a smooth ramp up to the runway with no “step off” of the runway.

Many challenges were overcome that included occasionally working alongside the live runway and under tight schedules. The eight-phase project began construction in 2009 and was completed on time in July 2010. The project was funded, in part, by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.