The Government of Montserrat is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Runway Resurfacing Project at the John A. Osborne Airport, which reopens/reopened today at 7:00 a.m.
The paving of the taxiway and runway was a key regulatory requirement by Air Safety Support International (ASSI); and was completed in excellent time by the main contractor— Surrey Paving & Aggregate Company Ltd (St Kitts and Nevis), supported by the technical and oversight team from the Canadian based airport consultancy, Avia NG Inc, as well as local contractors and supply chain.
The airport was closed on 11th April 2021 to facilitate the works, which included the completion of an asphalt test strip, the milling of the existing surface, the laying and joining of the new asphalt, as well as the installation of new inset lighting and the application of line-markings.
Based on all quality control and assurance testing results undertaken to date, the asphalt pavements have been judged as acceptable against the specification.
Minister of Communications, Works, Labour & Energy, Dr. the Honourable Samuel Joseph in a press release said that after many months of behind-the-scenes planning, design and project development, he is proud to announce that Montserrat’s Runway Resurfacing Project has been completed successfully, on budget, on schedule and to the required quality.
The Minister continued by commending all team players who made the construction and installation a success.
“The Project team led by MCWLE, supported by the Airport staff, the PMO, AVIA NG consultancy, and of course the main contractor Surrey Paving and Aggregates, should be commended in overcoming significant obstacles and risks to make this happen during COVID19 restrictions.”
“With this new and improved runway surface, we have satisfied a key regulatory requirement, so that we can keep Montserrat’s skies open now and in the future, and provide confidence to prospective visitors to our shores,” Samuel Joseph added.
The final stage of the project will take place next month, with the grooving of the runway surface and painting of the final line-markings. This work will not require the closure of the airport, and can only take place from approximately one month after the completion of the resurfacing itself.
Giving word on behalf of the team as Head of the Programme Management Office, Mr Martin Parlett.
“The Programme Management Office has been proud to support the MCWLE team in executing these works and ensuring dynamic risk management and agile stakeholder engagement. This project demonstrates that the model of local project management, augmented with specialist technical support for complex projects, delivers – whilst building institutional capacity and confidence in our ability to provide a return on investment.”
“Montserrat may be a small island, but it continues to demonstrate that it has the capability to deliver big things, on schedule and within budget – despite the prevailing uncertainties and logistical challenges of our time,” Martin proudly expressed.
The Runway Resurfacing Project marks the completion of the second major project within the Capital Infrastructure Programme for Resilient Economic Growth (CIPREG), within the scheduled period and budget envelope.
Other ongoing projects include the completion of the Air Traffic Control Tower, the detailed design and construction of Montserrat’s new national hospital, continued rehabilitation projects at the Montserrat Secondary School, the installation of a new hot mix plant, and the development of social housing designs.
The subsea fibre optic project was completed successfully in 2020 and has now transitioned to the operations and maintenance phase. Broader benefits from the fibre optic capability are also being explored.
