Oakland International Airport has officially wrapped up phase 1 of its major overhaul on Taxiway W, crucial for almost every takeoff on its main airstrip. The 1,900 feet stretch now boasts upgrades conducive to various types of flights, including commercial carriers, cargo jets, and military aircraft, as detailed by the airport's recent update.

Prime players in the renovation process, AECOM orchestrated the design. At the same time, DeSilva Gates Construction ushered in the build, supported by various other teams, including Royal Electric Company, who took the photo credits. The phase 1 tab ran up to $28.7 million, with the Federal Aviation Administration chipping in $19.2 million through its Airport Improvement Program, which ought to bolster airplane traffic with newly minted infrastructure.

Port of Oakland's Maritime and Aviation Project Labor Agreement (MAPLA) ensured that the workforce was paid well, doling out local union wages above federal thresholds and ensuring a leg up for disadvantaged workers. Working hand-in-glove with airport community cohorts, OAK concocted an elaborate construction game plan, setting the stage for two ingenious strategies: the use of jet blast deflectors, to cozy up construction units to operational aircraft without jeopardizing safety, and the introduction of a bypass taxiway, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to the prime Runway 12-30.

As phase 1 concludes, eyes are now on phase 2, expected to stretch the overhaul to an additional 5,000 feet of critical taxiway. Serving as a primary landing avenue and an alternate take-off route during bad weather, phase 2 is up for grabs, with construction bids already being sought and work expected to launch in the summer of 2024. Companies interested in throwing their hat in the ring can find more details on the Port of Oakland’s Bids/RFP/RFQ page.