New Castle – On Thursday, September 21, members of the Delaware congressional delegation, along with a representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and Delaware River and Bay Authority announced a $5.4 million grant to construct a new Taxiway B at the Wilmington Airport. This grant funds the second of three phases for the new taxiway, which will replace old Taxiway B and E. Over the past ten years, more than $48 million have been invested in multiple infrastructure projects at the aviation facility.
This four-phase project focuses on the realignment of current Taxiways B and E to form a single parallel taxiway to Runway 1-19. This third phase affects a 2,800 foot segment of Taxiway B north of the second phase. This segment serves as access to the northern end of Runway 1-19 and adjacent facilities. The work includes the removal and reconstruction of the existing taxiway 50 feet further from the adjacent runway to comply with FAA standards. The work is expected to begin in the spring of 2018.
The second phase was completed two years ago at a cost of nearly $5 million and focused on realigning 2,900 feet in the middle of the full length parallel taxiway to mitigate a confusing taxiway intersection. The fourth phase will involve the realignment of current Taxiway E to line up properly with Taxiway B. Upon completion of this fourth phase the new combined taxiway with a length of 7,240 feet will be re-designated in its entirety as Taxiway B.
In a related development, two significant infrastructure projects are nearing completion at Wilmington Airport. The DRBA invested more than $4 million in new, expanded terminal parking, which will be wrapped up this month. In addition to new paving, curbing, and storm water management, the project focused on upgraded lighting, signage, improved traffic flow, and expanded parking availability in Lot A. The expanded parking lot has nearly 200 more spaces for airport customers and a new perimeter road around the entire terminal lot to enhance traffic safety and efficiency. The project was designed in multiple phases for minimal impact on airport customers.
Last fall, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the DRBA more than $4.2 million to expand the existing Terminal Apron, realign a portion of Taxiway A, and rehabilitate portions of Taxiway C at the Wilmington Airport (ILG). The project, which will be completed by the end of the year, will expand apron capacity around the terminal building and improve adjacent drainage, lighting and signage to meet general aviation demand.
During the past four calendar years, ILG has handled nearly 350,000 airfield operations. Expansion of the terminal apron dovetailed with the rehabilitation of Taxiway A to increase the apron’s capacity and access to the terminal building to meet aviation demand. The existing drainage system, including the addition of a new underground storm water treatment facility, was enhanced and new edge lights and signs installed.
Aviation supports 2,600 jobs in the First State, and contributes nearly $600 million to our economy each year. , according to officials.
Source: DRBA
