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1. When is the project scheduled to start?

The project is scheduled to begin June 19th.

2. How long is the runway expected to be closed?

The runway closure is scheduled to last 30 days. Please note that this 30-day period does not include weather days. Each rain day can add one or more days to the runway closure time.
What is considered a weather day is the call of the representative engineer.

3. Are there penalties if the contractor is unable to get the runway open within 30 days?

The maximum penalties allowed by the FAA are in place if the contractor does not complete the work within the specified time.

4. Do I need to move my aircraft if my aircraft is in a tie-down?

Yes. All of the paved areas marked in yellow on the map above will receive a seal coat and taxiway center line where required. Aircraft parked on the ramp marked in yellow will need to be relocated while construction is occurring. Any aircraft left on the ramp will be relocated on the grass.

5. Do I need to move my aircraft if my aircraft is in a T-hangar?

This depends on your need to fly while construction is occurring. Aircraft in T-hangars do not need to be moved. There will be very limited access to the T-hangars during this project.

Seal coats and paint will be applied to the ramp surface so even all auto traffic will need to stay off the pavement for some period. If you are needing to fly between June 19 and July 19, it is recommended to relocate your aircraft.

6. What is being done to Taxiway A?

The majority of Taxiway A will be milled, repaved, sealed and remarked. At one taxiway intersection a non-standard slope, a hump, will be milled down so the taxiway meets standards. Taxiway A will not be used for departures or landings. There will be too many vehicles and construction going on all over the airport to allow this.

7. What is happening to Runway 18-36?

Runway 18-36 will receive crack repair, seal coat and paint. Runway 36 will be displaced 200 feet. This will require that the runway threshold lights, REILs and PAPIs to be relocated.

8. What is a Stopway or Blast Pad?

A Stopway or Blast Pad (shown in pink in the map above) is going to be installed at the departure end of Runway 36. New runway threshold lights will be installed. This Stopway or Blast Pad will be constructed with pavement that is designed to support the weight of the aircraft that utilize the airport should they need the additional pavement if they abort a takeoff. A paved overrun may just have pavement that covers the designated overrun area at the departure end of the runway.

9. What are the goals of this project?

GOALS:

1. Address the identified and documented pavement maintenance needs.
2. Obtain a maintainable clear approach surface for Runway 36. (Temporary displaced threshold until obstructions are addressed and the threshold can be moved back to its normal location.)
3. Get Runway 18-36 and Taxiway A operational within 30 days.
4. Get the airfield open so that businesses are back operational and based customers can depart MBT and go to Oshkosh. 
5. Open airfield so that transient pilots heading to Oshkosh can utilize Murfreesboro for fuel, food, and lodging if needed.

10. Are there contingency plans if there are delays in the completion of the project?

Yes. The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Barge Design Solutions and Airport Staff have already been working with the contractor on developing various contingency plans. A major concern for all construction projects at this time are electrical components. The contingency plan if not all electrical components arrive on time is to 1) modify and use existing lights that were removed during the project or 2) go to day-only operations until the lights are installed.

11. What are the local based businesses/Commercial Operators doing?

The Airport is coordinating with the Commercial Operators (Murfreesboro Aviation, Mike Jones Aircraft Sales, TDK, MTSU, Executive Air and Vanderbilt LifeFlight) regarding this project and how the impact to their business can be minimized. Most have been coordinating with colleagues at other neighboring airports to secure ramp, hangar and office space.

12. Why does the Airport have to do this project now?

Maintaining the airfield pavement is a necessity. Well maintained pavement saves aircraft maintenance costs. When the airport receives grant money, the FAA includes a long list of regulations/requirements called “Grant Assurances.” One of those “Grant Assurances” states that the Sponsor, the local governing body and owner of the airport, will monitor and maintain the paved surfaces along with all its other facilities and equipment to ensure safe and efficient use of the airport as it was designed. Pavement management is a focus of the Airport and Tennessee Division of Aeronautics.

13. Who is paying for this work? Will my rent go up?

No, your rent will not go up because of this project. The City of Murfreesboro has coordinated with the Tennessee Department of Transportation – Division of Aeronautics and is very thankful for the Aeronautics Division’s ability to secure 95% federal and state funding for the pavement maintenance portion of this project. Barge Design Solutions has engineered and created specifications for the appropriate methods to address the various needs of the airfield pavement. The age of the pavement at MBT is six months to 30 plus years. That is why there are different levels of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation specified for this project. Along with addressing pavement, approach issues for Runway 36 are also being addressed with this project as well. The Stopway is being funded locally.

14. How can I keep up with the latest status of the project?

Check the NOTAMs, emails and the Murfreesboro Airport’s postings on social media. Do not hesitate to call the Airport office at 615-848-3254 for the latest information or if you have a question.