2025 Mountain States Best Projects
Award of Merit, Airport/Transit: Taxiway DS East and Deicing Pad

Taxiway DS East and Deicing Pad
Denver
Award of Merit
Submitted by FlatironDragados Constructors
Owner Denver International Airport
Lead Design Firm Jacobs Engineeering Group
General Contractor FlatironDragados Constructors
With the addition of new infrastructure at Denver International, the airport has substantially grown its aircraft deicing capabilities. In addition to 2,500 linear ft of new taxiway to serve nine aircraft deicing locations, scope of work on this project included parking areas for airport support equipment and extensive earthwork, including 230,000 cu yd of embankment and 208,000 cu yd of excavation.
Crews also installed a robust storm drainage system and oil-water separation infrastructure that included 50,000-gallon and 60,000-gallon tanks to ensure environmentally responsible operations. Included among the 17,000 linear ft of drainage utilities was a 48-in.-dia tunnel, which went through multiple design iterations, going from 24 in. to 36 in., then finally 48 in., which required crews to remain adaptable as plans shifted.
Working in close proximity to another active project, the team maintained open communication among all stakeholders to ensure both jobs could maintain their schedules. Phasing and sequencing were carefully planned during winter months as well as during inclement weather.


