IND Airport Runway 5R-23L And Taxiway D Strengthening and Reconstruction (Part A-B-C)

 
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Indianapolis International Airport’s (IND) primary cargo Runway 5R-23L and Taxiway D pavements and NAVAIDS were showing signs of accelerated deterioration. The infrastructure was not in compliance with parts of the new FAA AC 5300-13a. The project was divided into 3 parts with Part A/B for Design and Part C for Construction. For Part A and B, Woolpert supported engineering and programming needs while leading field services investigations. The Woolpert team determined the field investigation schedule and performed field surveys, geotechnical investigations, phasing alternatives, and preliminary CSPP development. Team also developed or supported the rehabilitation/ reconstruction alternatives, pavement designs, stakeholder engagement (which included FedEx, major air carriers, Air Traffic Control Tower, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting, and airport maintenance and operations personnel), quality control reviews and revisions, constructability and value engineering, preliminary contractor outreach meeting, sustainability design concepts and applications for Envision Award development, conceptual design plans (Part A), and Construction Plans and Specifications with Bidding (Part B). It was critical to remain flexible: FedEx had numerous unscheduled operations that required taxiway movement through project limits.

This project utilized nine diversity subconsultant firms. Utilizing their strengths allowed the team to meet the schedule and analyze 50 different pavement solutions to discuss with the Airport and FAA. We justified the recommended alternative and funding because of detailed analysis of alternatives. We learned that early, clear direction on expectations and deliverables to our entire team is critical, as well as the importance of engaging in sustainability early in a project. Doing so allowed us to develop highly sustainable alternatives that may not have been considered had the early engagement not occurred. Part C Construction is currently underway, which includes construction administration services associated with the project. Woolpert has a lead role both in Project Leadership (Deputy Project Manager and Joint Venture Board), Design (overall Design Leader), and Construction (Deputy Construction Manager).

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LESSONS LEARNED

During the preparation of Bid Package 1 (3-4 months before the project was due to be bid), IAA decided to maximize funding by proceeding with Bid Package 2 earlier than planned. Woolpert had to immediately stop work on Package 1, which was almost 90% completed, to begin working on the new (largest) package with a four-month deadline. Woolpert learned flexibility is required at any stage of a project and including valuable teaming partners allows for quick adaptation without loss of production and schedule.

SIMILARITIES TO SCOPE

  • Runway and Taxiway Pavement Rehabilitation, Strength, and Safety Enhancements
  • NAVAID Rehabilitation and Upgrades
  • Key Focus on Client/Stakeholder Engagement, Safety Phasing Plans, and Sustainability

Client
Indianapolis Airport Authority

Location
Indianapolis, Indiana