Construction work starts off base for taxiway extension

Photo By Karen Abeyasekere | Paul Watson, a contractor, uses a spirit level to check if a concrete post is straight as he helps put up a security fence around a field next to Taxiway Alpha, RAF Mildenhall. The field is being made into a taxiway extension and will provide extra room which will allow swifter takeoffs for heavier aircraft. Currently, heavy aircraft have to back-taxi to the end of the overrun and turn around, which puts stress on the runway and the undercarriage of the aircraft. Approximately 30 concrete posts, covering a distance of about 700 meters, will be used to make the security fence around the contractors’ compound as they begin construction of the taxiway extension.  

MILDENHALL, SUFFOLK, UNITED KINGDOM

01.08.2012

Story by Karen Abeyasekere 

100th Air Refueling Wing   

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Initial work started recently on the field closest to the A1101 roundabout at the east end of RAF Mildenhall's airfield.

The expanded fenceline is part of a $15 million project which will extend Taxiway Alpha to connect with the east end of the Runway 29 overrun. The contracted design-and-build project will benefit RAF Mildenhall by providing direct access for heavy aircraft to launch from the overrun.

"The construction of the taxiway extension will allow swifter takeoffs for heavier aircraft," said Mark Poynter, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron project manager. "Currently, heavy aircraft have to back-taxi to the end of the overrun and turn around. This puts stresses on the runway and the undercarriage of the aircraft and (the extension)will allow swifter aircraft movements to support the flying mission."

Poynter explained it is anticipated that the perimeter road and running track will be closed for the duration of the project, as the area will form part of the contractors "free zone." Free zones are established within controlled areas when construction projects and similar activities make it inappropriate or impractical to apply normal circulation controls. The east end section of the perimeter road is scheduled to close Aug. 6 and will remain closed until at least April 2013.

"We are looking to see if there is any way we can reduce the closure period without incurring additional costs," Poynter said. "But with that said, the overarching consideration is safety, and this is an active construction zone."

• Date Taken: 01.08.2012
• Date Posted: 08.01.2012 06:16
• Story ID: 92482
• Location: MILDENHALL, SUFFOLK, GB