CloseTelluride Regional Airport Runway Reconstruction
Project Snapshot
- 1,000,000 yd³ of west-side rock blasted, relocated, and compacted to remove a mid-runway sag
- 280,000 yd³ of additional rock placed to complete the north buttress
- 200,000 yd³ of shale moved from the east side to form a new south-apron embankment
- 170,000 tons of select fill and runway base produced on-site
- 350 ft × 25 ft multi-plate culvert installed to keep airfield traffic moving
- Existing pavement recycled as P-207 shoulder base; new runway paved in a single 4-in asphalt lift
Earthwork and Grade Correction
First, crews blasted and moved more than 1,000,000 yd³ of rock from the west end to the runway midpoint, removing the sag and restoring the proper crown. Next, the team placed 280,000 yd³ along the north buttress. An on-site crusher produced 170,000 tons of select fill, which cut haul distance and lowered emissions.
Drainage and Mid-Field Access
Meanwhile, specialists assembled a 350-foot-long, 25-foot-high multi-plate culvert beneath the centerline. This structure allows equipment and service vehicles to pass without disrupting airside operations.
Apron Expansion
In addition, crews removed about 200,000 cubic yards of shale from the east side and placed it as embankment for a new south-side apron, creating extra parking and taxi space.
Pavement Renewal
Finally, workers milled the old surface, crushed it, and reused the material as P-207 base for the shoulders. A mobile hot-mix plant laid a single 4-inch asphalt lift, delivering a smooth, durable runway ready for mountain-town flight demands.
CMT Technical Services Deliverables
- Geotechnical and civil design support
- Field and laboratory testing
- Pavement engineering
- Construction management
- Surveying and specialty materials analysis
Outcome
In conclusion, the Telluride Regional Airport runway reconstruction removed grade irregularities, optimized on-site resources, and extended pavement service life—all while keeping mountain-town flight operations dependable for residents and visitors alike. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13B – Airport Design.