Airports provide a multitude of benefits to the citizens and the visitors of the surrounding communities, especially in the remote regions of Colorado. When it comes time to close a runway for construction, or rehabilitation, the benefits that an airport provides to its users become harder to attain, and in the case of an airport with only one runway, airport services cease to exist at all.
In the summer of 2022, following a year and a half of pre-planning, the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) took on a challenge, that many doubted could ever be accomplished. The airport would be tasked with completing a long list of airport projects. This list included milling, and paving, of Durango’s sole runway 3/21. The runway would remain closed during this phase of the project, and the airport would no longer be able to serve its community. Durango’s sole runway would be completely closed for 10 full days.
With an onsite asphalt plant mobilized, crews were able to work around the clock to reconstruct the entire length of Durango’s 9,200-foot runway. In the end, the goal of getting the best product while also minimizing the impacts on the airport became a reality, and in only 10 days, the airport’s runway was rejuvenated well above the minimum standards. Actually, it was award-winning standards according to the Colorado Asphalt Paving Association’s “Best In Colorado Award” for airport paving projects.
Only hours after the reopening of Durango’s runway, the Durango-La Plata County Airport went back to doing what airports do, and it could be said that one of these things, is saving lives.
This is the story of how the Durango-La Plata County Airport overcame every challenge thrown at them during the project. Interviews with those directly involved in the project exemplify how strong partnerships are one of the key elements in the success of airport projects. This link will lead you to the full video on the Division of Aeronautics Playlist.
