Work to upgrade Hood Aerodrome’s sealed runway has been delayed due to “inclement weather” affecting the contractor, but the runway will still be available for use during winter.
Masterton District Council’s [MDC] Hood infrastructure project includes widening and refurbishing the sealed runway.
The completion date for the opening of the upgraded sealed runway was recently reset to May 25 due to the delays caused by weather conditions.
MDC infrastructure and assets general manager Maseina Koneferenisi said the contractor advised council last month that it would not be able to meet this new delivery deadline.
“With the inclement weather, there was a very high risk of the asphalt not meeting the quality requirements,” Koneferenisi said.
“In response, we directed the contractor to implement an agreed contingency plan we had established for the project.
“This involves completing all basecourse construction of the runway and apron areas and applying a prime coat seal to the new construction areas to protect the surface during the winter season.
“This will ensure the sealed runway can reopen for use over the winter months.”
Work on upgrading the runway will resume around November and is expected to take 6-8 weeks.
The purpose of this $17 million project is to transform Hood Aerodrome into a more modern, functional airport and centre for aviation activity, with capacity for growth beyond the current activity.
Of the total budget, $10m was funded from the government’s Provincial Growth Fund.
The project will deliver: runway widening and resurfacing; an extension of the terminal apron; an in-fill of an open drain on the eastern side of the sealed runway; a replacement of airfield fixtures [lighting, windsock etc]; an upgrade of security fencing [to meet CAA requirements]; water, wastewater, and electrical upgrades and extension to support hangar development; support for the aerodrome to meet the CAA Qualification Certification deadline of June 2025; and the development of access roads to support hangar development.
-NZLDR
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Why is the only airport in wairarapa and hospital 🏥 known as Masterton council. THEY SHOULD BE KNOW AS WAIRARAPA COUNCIL ENTITIES .