Runway Safety Is More than an Airport-only Challenge

Rick Patterson

Attorney

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Most aviation accidents occur in close proximity to an airport. Runway safety is one of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) top safety priorities.

In the late 1990's, the FAA decided to address non-compliant safety areas on a national level. Dane County Regional Airport was a high priority safety improvement project. The project was very involved, and the solution required moving several major structures.

Up-front Challenges & Project Breakdown

Relocating over one mile of a creek;
Relocating 2.4 miles of active rail line (which was designed to meet both current freight operation and the future needs of high-speed rail operations);
Relocating 0.8 miles of two-lane county highway;
Relocating the airport perimeter road and fence; and
Clearing up an airfield intersection with conflicting markings.

The runway safety project was completed in 2006, which included moving a busy county highway without shutting down the road. Airside improvements are expected to be completed in early 2007.