Runway renovations coming to Bedford airport

“The total project is $3 million, with the Federal Aviation Administration funding 90 percent of the cost,” Lytton said. “The state will pay 5 percent and Lawrence County the remaining 5 percent.”

The aviation commissioners recently accepted project bids and authorized construction contracts for E&B Paving for the concrete portion and McIntyre Bros. for the runway lighting. 

In July, the commissioners explained to members of the Lawrence County Council why the project was essential. Cracking, scaling, raveling and spalling of the pavement structure was evident, and such conditions are dangerous for pilots and can cause damage to aircraft.

Some of the cracks were wide enough to cause directional control problems.

Airport personnel received complaints from pilots who threatened to avoid the facility until the pavement problems were remedied.

In 2009, a project was undertaken to address line-of-sight safety issues. Hillsides near the airport’s two runways had to be removed so pilots could achieve line of sight when taxiing toward the intersection.

A dip near the end of one runway also was filled and leveled.