Re-paved Timehri runway offers smoother landings
By Oscar P. Clarke
Stabroek News
June 13, 2003
Rehabilitation of the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri has entered its final stages with finishing touches being applied to several sections off the main strip.
Among the work engaging contractors from the Irish firm, Lagan Holding Ltd, is that of grooving the main runway to avoid water- logging and the installation of the permanent runway lights.
The firm is also engaged in recapping several areas off the main runway including its shoulders, the threshold area and sections leading from runway 06/24.
The work is being done under a US$4.5M Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project and, according to Project Manager, Brian Cody, is expected to be completed by the end of the month, weather permitting.
Cody spoke to members of the media during a guided tour of his company’s operations at the Timehri runway on Wednesday night. He said the resurfaced runway was expected to stand up to constant wear and tear for up to 15 years.
The work included the sealing of cracks, the re-paving of some sections and the laying of sub-bases prior to the application of the final layer of asphalt.
As part of the contract, Lagan was also required to facilitate the upgrading of the ground lights and this required the relaying of cables.
Although most of the main runway recapping is complete, the contractors are currently working on grooving the surface, which is critical to bringing the runway into compliance with international standards.
During the rehabilitation period all the heavy work has been undertaken from 9:30 pm to 5 am when the airport is closed to aircraft.
Flights during the day have not affected the work and the strip has stood up to the stress of several types of craft including a 747 Jumbo Jet which landed during the re-laying period.
Cody said this was because of the quality of the material most of which was acquired locally with a small amount being imported.
The company’s mobile asphalt plant was set up next to a disused Guyana Airways Corporation bond behind the control tower.
Also speaking to the media was Civil Engineer, and Lagan Site Agent, Buckley Hunt who explained that all the work had to be done with a high degree of precision and care to facilitate the surface’s usage during the day.
All of the equipment for the specialised phases of the project had been imported including the light towers while other equipment like loader trucks, water bowsers and generators were hired locally.
The normal work routine on any given night is for the tower to signal the crew after the last aircraft had departed and according to Hunt it takes about half of an hour to mobilise.
After working through the night, work stops at about 3 am to allow adequate time for cleaning up and inspection by the airport duty inspector whose task it is to see that all systems are safely in place. Only then can the runway be opened for daily operations.
About 20 local workers are employed on the project most of whom have experience in asphalting on road projects although runway work requires specialised knowledge. Both men acknowledged that the workers had adapted well and were keen to learn.
