The Lincoln Airport Authority and Nebraska Air National Guard last week welcomed federal, state and local leaders, project partners and members of the media to the Runway 18/36 Reconstruction Project site to highlight one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Lincoln Airport’s history.
Estimated at approximately $100 million, the multi-year reconstruction of Lincoln Airport’s 12,901-foot Runway 18/36 will modernize one of the longest runways in the United States and preserve a nationally significant aviation asset supporting commercial air service, general aviation, military operations and emergency response missions.
Funded through a partnership of federal, state and local resources, the project represents a collaborative effort between the Lincoln Airport Authority, Nebraska Air National Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, Nebraska Department of Transportation and numerous community stakeholders.
“This project is about much more than replacing pavement,” said Rachel Barth, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development for the Lincoln Airport Authority. “At 12,901 feet long, Runway 18/36 is one of the longest runways in the country and one of Nebraska’s most important pieces of transportation infrastructure. This investment preserves a nationally significant asset that supports economic development, military readiness, commercial aviation and emergency response capabilities. The benefits of this project will be felt far beyond Lincoln for decades to come.”
Originally constructed to support military operations at the former Lincoln Air Force Base, Runway 18/36 continues to serve as a critical transportation and national defense asset. Its exceptional length allows Lincoln Airport to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including some of the largest military and civilian aircraft operating today.
“This runway can handle some of the heaviest and most critical aircraft in our nation’s inventory, including the C-5 Galaxy and the E-4B Nightwatch National Airborne Operations Center,” said Major General Craig Strong, Adjutant General of Nebraska and Commander of the Nebraska National Guard. “Its reconstruction ensures we can continue supporting mission readiness, global mobility and national defense operations for years to come.”
The event featured remarks from Lincoln Airport Authority officials, State Senator Eliot Bostar, Major General Craig Strong, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and representatives from Constructors, Inc., the project’s primary contractor.
Senator Fischer, who has long advocated for federal investment in Lincoln Airport infrastructure, highlighted the importance of the project to both Nebraska and the nation. “After years of advocacy and partnership, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to advance this critical project,” said Fischer. “Runway 18/36 serves not only Nebraska’s aviation needs but also plays an important role in supporting military readiness and economic growth across our region.”
Senator Bostar was also recognized for his support of state investment and partnership efforts that helped advance the project.
The reconstruction project will enhance safety, reliability and operational capability while ensuring the airfield can continue supporting civilian and military missions for decades to come. It also underscores the longstanding partnership between Lincoln Airport and the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing, one of the state’s most important military installations.
When completed, the reconstructed runway will continue supporting one of the nation’s premier joint-use airport facilities, strengthening Nebraska’s transportation infrastructure while advancing economic development, air connectivity and national security.
