Officials say a multimillion dollar runway reconstruction project at the Manhattan Regional Airport is still behind schedule and may not reopen by the targeted Sept. 6 deadline.
Engineer Diane Hofer, with design firm Olsson, provided a progress report at Monday’s Airport Advisory Board meeting.
Airport officials noted that phase 3, which includes the crosswind runway construction, is about 25 days behind schedule but should wrap up by mid-week. Director Brandon Keazer says they had hoped to have phase 3 done by Monday.
Keazer explains some of the reasons for the over three week delay.
Hofer says for everyday the project is delayed, it’s resulting in added liquidated damages for Clarkson Construction, the airport’s hired contractor.
Keazer says the city’s contract had budgeted for Clarkson to work extended and overnight hours to meet deadlines, but they chose not to. Hofer explains some of their reasoning.
She also explains some of the work still needing to be completed.
Keazer adds that contingencies are in motion to ensure rent abatements for tenants impacted by the closure continue until the project is completed.
