Runway 13C-31C is the longest and most active runway at Midway International Airport (MDW), with a length of 6,521 feet and Engineered Materials Arrestor Systems (EMAS) at both ends. Rehabilitation of the runway became necessary due to surface deterioration and frequent repairs that proved insufficient.
The project not only rehabilitated the runway’s deteriorating pavement, it also provided a much needed solution for the chronic problems created by one of the busiest runway intersections in the world. In addition to designing the pavement overlay, EXP was responsible for related runway work, including pavement markings, LED centerline and edge lighting, and airfield signage.
What makes this project unique is that it brought the world’s first installation of an engineered materials arrestor system (EMAS) with Glasopor in an active airport environment. The new EMAS is expected to provide equivalent protection for overruns, and reduce maintenance costs and resultant operational delays.
In order to minimize the impact to operations and serviceability while implementing the runway improvements, all construction work took place at night during limited closures, necessitating a complex phasing sequence.
Services
Civil, Electrical