Quonset airport runway project takes off

QUONSET, R.I. (WLNE) — U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and other officials joined The Rhode Island Airport Corporation in a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Quonset State Airport Runway 16-34 Reconstruction Project Friday morning.

The reconstruction will improve the condition of the 7,500 ft. main runway that is utilized by the National Guard and civilian aviation operations.

In addition to transporting troops, the RI National Guard based out of Quonset aids in providing search and rescue, evacuation, and other necessary capabilities to RI during emergencies.

The existing runway is in poor condition and requires new pavement and grading to meet federal aviation and defense standards.

Quonset State Airport Runway 16-34 Reconstruction. (United States Senate)

Runway improvement will shift the end threshold to accommodate a full 1,000 ft. safety areas over land. The pavement will also be reconstructed for improved condition.

The project will also include upgrades to the aircraft navigational aids alongside upgraded stormwater and electrical utilities that will improve energy efficiency.

Officials at the site of the Quonset State Airport Runway 16-34 Reconstruction project. (United States Senate)

Sen. Jack Reed worked alongside officials to help secure the funding for this project. He said that the federal government will contribute $32.5M from the Dept. of Defense, $27,5M from the Federal Aviation Admin., and an additional $3.05M from the state.

During the reconstruction project, the 4,000 ft. Runway 5-23 will remain open for air traffic.

Some of the Rhode Island National Guard’s C-130s will be temporarily parked at T.F. Green Airport.