Hill Air Force Base is a key maintenance depot for several branches of the military and is designed to handle a variety of aircraft, including fighters, cargo aircraft and large bombers. The 2.5-mile-long runway had deteriorated over time and was in need of repair. For this project, roughly 310,000 sq yd of asphalt was paved and approximately 16,000 sq yd of concrete was placed during the second-wettest spring on record. It was imperative that the airfield stay open and operational during construction. HHI Corp. personnel were trained in how to maintain distance from landing areas and safely avoid jet blasts, all while ensuring the integrity of the job.

The aggressive 10-month schedule required multiple crews and extended work hours. During the second phase, the runway was closed for 59 days, and Hill AFB F-35A Lightning II’s from the 34th Fighter Squadron were temporarily moved to Mountain Home Air Force Base, with several other squadrons deployed to Europe and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Taxiway A was converted to a temporary runway with its widened shoulders, temporary markings, lighting and aircraft arresting systems—all completed within Air Force and FAA requirements. This allowed the maintenance mission of Hill AFB to continue throughout the project. The runway was scheduled to reopen at the end of this period, with many of the squadrons returning to the base.

Back to Number of Best Projects Entries Remains Strong Despite the Pandemic