Phoenix Sky Harbor

Ames Construction was the prime contractor for multiple projects at Sky Harbor Airport including runway replacement and terminal expansion.

For the replacement and expansion of the main runway on the north side of the airport’s terminals, crews removed existing pavement, constructed a new storm drainage system, performed subgrade correction work, constructed the new concrete pavement over new 4AC base, installed asphalt shoulders, and performed all associated electrical work for the new runway.

The runway replacement was completed in two phases so that air traffic could continue through construction. Half of the new runway—5,000 feet—was constructed in the first phase, while general aviation traffic used the other half. When Phase 1 was complete, traffic was switched to the new runway while crews performed removal and reconstruction of the other half. The aggressive schedule required removal and replacement operations to be completed within 90 days. Ames finished this portion of the work 10 days ahead of schedule.

For the terminal expansion, Ames constructed new ramps, widened existing roadways, built a new flyover bridge, and widened an existing bridge over the Salt River. A protective multi-plate structure was placed over a sewer line. Complementing Arizona geography, the project included landscape graphics and rustication pieces on the bridges and walls.