Full reconstruction and rehabilitation of Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport’s main runways

The Government of Yukon retained Associated Engineering to provide engineering services for the airfield upgrades at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport to reconstruct Runway 14R-32L to extend the runway life. The Airfield Upgrades Project is currently in the fourth year of a five-year program that includes detailed design, tender, and construction services.

Associated Engineering had previously completed an Options Development Report that identified and evaluated six rehabilitation and reconstruction options for runway 14R-32L that also considered potential scheduling synergies with other airside projects. Deputy Project Manager, Derek Blayney, says, "The preferred option was for full reconstruction of the main runway, with a proposed pavement structure that was designed to provide moderate-level frost protection."

Associated Engineering completed the pavement design by assessing each section of the runway, while considering the existing pavement structure and subgrade strengths. Runway 14L-32R was also extended and strengthened, as part of the overall phasing plan to facilitate the reconstruction of Runway 14R-32L.

"To minimize the impact on airport operations, we first proposed extending the existing smaller parallel runway to facilitate the reconstruction of the main runway. The runway was extended to accommodate Boeing 737-sized aircrafts that typically use the airport."

We coordinated with the airlines to confirm that the proposed runway length was suitable for their operations. By completing this work, we have also provided the Government of Yukon with a long-term parallel runway that allows greater flexibility for future maintenance works and during snow-clearing operations.

Associated's key personnel on this project are Steven Bartsch, Derek Blayney, Dave Anderson, Sang-Hyun Chung, Kerri Hildebrandt, Erin Hamel, Cam McCrea, Christa Luckasavitch, Jaryd Nachtegaele, and Matt Henderson.