Closing the gap

Warwick Beacon ·

As seen from 2,400 feet up, the final 600-foot link to a longer Green Airport runway is easily identified. Comprising an area of 70 acres, the process of extending Runway 5 to 8,700 feet has taken about two years following the relocation of Main Avenue and Winslow Park playing fields. Gregory Fehrman, P.E. and Principal Engineer for C&S Companies said Wednesday that once edge lights to the extension are installed final paving of the extension could be completed. The paved extension must then “cure” for 28 days before it is grooved to enhance drainage and traction. Fehrman is looking at an August 15th completion of the extension that will improve the capability of nonstop coast-to-coast and transatlantic flights. Fehrman said the $38 million project is on schedule and under budget. Paul McDonough of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation called the project 85 percent complete. “We’re in good shape,” he said. While the extension will be serviceable for landings under visual conditions, it is not expected to be listed as instrument capable by the Federal Aviation administration until this December when tests have been completed. (Warwick Beacon photo)