Ontario Construction News staff writer
A ground-breaking ceremony at Toronto Pearson last week kicked off construction on the largest runway rehabilitation project in the airport’s history. Runway 06L/24R, Pearson’s second-busiest runway, will be closed for eight months.
Representatives from lead contractor Dufferin Construction and Avia NG joined officials at the ceremony at the site of the three-kilometre runway rehabilitation. Work is needed because the concrete sub-structure has deteriorated because of weather conditions, use and time.
Construction will include the use of recycled materials and upgrades to 1,800 LED lights to enhance safety and reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. Other environmentally friendly construction practices will include using crushed concrete from the runway pavement removal for the sub-base and base materials and recycled milling asphalt materials on approach roads in the vicinity of the runway.
“This rehabilitation is about building essential infrastructure that is required for the economy of the region, the province and the nation,” said Deborah Flint, president and CEO, GTAA. “A strong Pearson will support Canada’s recovery by enabling foreign direct investment, trade, tourism and critical goods movement. Moreover, this work will contribute millions of dollars to the local economy, create meaningful jobs and use sustainable construction practices.”
Dufferin Construction was chosen “in part for its prioritization of safety, willingness to collaborate with the GTAA and other industry partners to minimize noise impacts on communities wherever possible and commitment to green building practices”.
It will create about 200,000 person hours of work and employ sustainable construction practices, including the use of recycled materials and upgrades to 1,800 LED lights to enhance safety and reduce the carbon footprint of the runway.
“Dufferin Construction is pleased to be working at Toronto Pearson for another construction season on this historic project,” says Gary Dempster, district manager, Dufferin Construction.
“Dufferin has been working airside at Toronto Pearson for 30-plus years and looks forward to working collaboratively with the Project Team to deliver this project successfully while mitigating impacts to airside operations and neighbouring communities.”