2025 East Best Projects
Award of Merit, Airport/Transit: Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport Runway 16-34 EMAS Replacement

Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport Runway 16-34 EMAS Replacement
Roanoke, Va.
Award of Merit
Submitted by Branch Group
Owner: Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
Lead Design Firm, Civil/Structural Engineer: RS&H
General Contractor: Branch Group
The phased replacement of the Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at the departure end of Runway 16 required precise coordination because the project took place within a secure, high-traffic airfield environment with an open adjacent runway.
In preparation for the project, the contractor’s field team simulated how work would be conducted during nightly shutdowns by practicing communication protocols with the tower and driving around the airfield in darkness.
Work began during the winter season when asphalt was not readily available due to low temperatures. Other materials had to be sourced and timed carefully for delivery to ensure quality and maintain an aggressive schedule that left no room for error.
Back-up equipment, such as a spare paver, was staged off site in case of breakdowns.
Completed at budget and ahead of schedule, the site-specific EMAS was seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure without compromising runway operations.


