As rehabilitation work continues at the Robert Bradshaw in St Kitts the St Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to improving safety.
The Airport Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project is currently in phase two.
The Taxiway Alpha is being lengthened to improve safety and accommodate aircraft utilizing the runway.
Minister Lindsay Grant said: “Phase two involved the resurfacing of taxiway alpha in concrete and drainage. This project was recently completed at a cost of some 23.3 million EC dollars; the contractor being Contec DT. During the construction phase, the contractor discovered that the foundation sub-base was very unstable, and because of this, the drainage had to be done. To address this, the contractor dug the foundation and the sub base put in with the appropriate material to stabilize Taxiway Alpha.”
He said phase one and phase two of the airport infrastructure rehabilitation sub-basest approximately EC$60.7 million.,
Minister Grant said the extensive work was necessary as Taxiway Alpha is the largest taxiway used primarily for the larger heavier and wide-bodied jets.
Caribbean Civil Engineer Consultant Errol Douglas said the work is being done to ensure the taxiway meets certain specifications.
Due to financial constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Phase 3 of the Airport Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project has been postponed to a later date.
Airport Infrastructure Rehabilitation
The Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport rehabilitation project focuses on improving airport safety and infrastructure through the upgrade of Taxiway Alpha. The work includes concrete resurfacing, drainage improvements, and foundation stabilization to support the safe movement of larger and heavier aircraft.
Taxiway Alpha Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation of Taxiway Alpha is an important Infrastructure improvement for St. Kitts aviation sector. Addressing unstable sub-base conditions and drainage requirements has helped strengthen the taxiway and improve its ability to meet the operational and engineering requirements of modern aircraft.
Improving Airport Safety and Aircraft Operations
The rehabilitation work at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport is focused on creating safer and more efficient aircraft movement. Improvements to Taxiway Alpha are particularly important because the taxiway supports larger and heavier aircraft operating at the airport.
Foundation balanced and Drainage Improvements
One of the key challenges identified during the project was the unstable sub-base below Taxiway Alpha. Engineering consultancy were essential in determining the need for additional foundation work and drainage improvements, providing a stronger and more stable surface capable of supporting continued airport operations.
Strengthening St. Kitts’ Aviation Infrastructure
The airport rehabilitation project contributes to the long-term development of St. Kitts’ aviation infrastructure. By improving taxiway conditions, drainage systems, and structural stability the project supports safer operations while helping the airport meet the requirements of modern aircraft.
Conclusion
The Airport Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project will strengthen the safety and efficiency of Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. EF Douglas and Associates contributes its engineering expertise to supporting improved aviation infrastructure and required engineering standards in St. Kitts.
