The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport will re-open at noon Friday after a four-month runway extension and lighting improvement project that began in May, according to a news release from city spokesman Mike Browning.
The initial re-opening will be for daytime operations. There will be short periods of runway closures in the coming weeks as the contractor completes various tasks, the release stated.
The re-opening follows improvements by Atkins Engineering and contractor LoJac Enterprises, which include the construction of a new taxiway connectors “A2” and A3,” construction of a new LED airfield lighting system and improved signage and drainage to meet FAA standards for Stormwater runoff, Browning reported. The LED lighting system will have an immediate impact in reducing electrical expenses.
The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport is home to several businesses and agencies that include Mike Jones Avionics and Maintenance, Murfreesboro Aviation, Executive Air Express, the Middle Tennessee State University Aerospace Department and Vanderbilt Life Flight, according to the release.
“These businesses, which depend on a fully-functioning airport, have been very patient during the construction period,” Airport Manager Chad Gehrke was quoted in the release. “We appreciate their patience and efforts by our engineers and contractors to minimize the airport closure times for the airport and traveling public. The success of this project has been in the teamwork displayed by all of the various companies and agencies involved.”
The airport has several events planned in September, including Wheels & Wings Sept, 26, the release stated.
The City Council approved the $4.5 million contract with LoJac Enterprises for the Runway Project March 16. Grant funding for the project is a combination of federal, state and local funds, according to the release. The majority of state funding stems from the Airfield Pavement Overlay Project.
Local funding is provided through Capital Improvement Project funds and annual debt service payments.
The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, located at 1930 Memorial Blvd., is a general aviation airport serving Middle Tennessee. The airport’s largest tenant is the aerospace department of Middle Tennessee State University, one of the top schools for aviation in the nation, Browning noted in the release.
For more information, contact Airport Manager Chad Gehrke at 615-848-3254 or e-mail cgehrke@murfreesborotn.gov.
http://www.dnj.com/story/news/2015/09/03/murfreesboro-airport-reopen-friday/71668532/