Joplin Regional Airport Runway 18-36 Reconstruction

Project OverviewDescripción del proyecto

When the opportunity arose to pursue the Joplin Regional Airport Runway 18-36 Reconstruction project, Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) answered the call. This aviation reconstruction project involved the removal of the existing asphalt runway as well as its replacement with a new concrete runway. ESS utilized our vast company resources to perform at top speeds, advance this project, and stay ahead of schedule.

This project was divided into seven phases to minimize ESS’ impact on airport operations. This meticulous phasing plan allowed our teams to do work at various locations within the project corridor while navigating the airstrip restrictions that took place throughout the timeline of the project. During Phase 2 of the runway reconstruction, our teams were challenged to replace a key intersection with only a ten-day shutdown of both airport runways. With this narrow time frame to complete a large volume of critical work, our teams were dedicated to keeping the project on schedule and determined to land big results for our client.

One unique advantage this team has had while working on this project is the ESS’ on-site concrete batch plant. Having a batch plant in close proximity to the project allowed our crews to fast-track the schedule, optimize material quality, and maximize production.

“Having our own concrete batch plant on site gives us the ability to control a lot of the variables that come with concrete paving. We don’t have to rely on someone else's availability. We were able to use resources within our own walls, and use them effectively and efficiently,” said Lucas Kempfer, Stringless Paving Technician.

ESS completed the Joplin Regional Airport Runway 18-36 reconstruction project in seven months, removing more than 87,000 square yards of dirt and paving an additional 30,000 cubic yards of concrete. This project was recognized for its outstanding work with the Best PCC Pavement Award by the Missouri and Kansas chapters of the American Concrete Pavement Association in 2021.