Allows airport to handle largest and newest long-range cargo aircraft
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2014) – Louisville Regional Airport Authority officials, along with state and local leaders and airport business partners, celebrated the completion of Taxiway Alpha. The nearly two-mile-long, 100-foot-wide taxiway runs parallel to the West Runway and will accommodate the new generation of larger cargo aircraft.
“Good public infrastructure creates access to opportunity, and Taxiway Alpha will help us meet the needs of today and encourage future business growth,” said Congressman John Yarmouth, who advocated for the federal investment that enabled the project. “This project helps build on Louisville’s reputation as a national logistics hub, encouraging greater economic expansion here and throughout our region.”
The project is a key component of the Beyond 2010 plan for airfield improvements, which will enable Louisville International to handle the largest and newest long-range commercial cargo aircraft. The ability to handle these 21st century aircraft will help retain and attract aviation-related companies and jobs for the community.
“Louisville is committed to becoming world class in ecommerce and logistics,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Today’s opening demonstrates a clear vision to grow our community’s future by enhancing our ability to attract new business and jobs, broadening Louisville’s horizon!”
“The opening of Taxiway Alpha is just the latest evidence of our commitment to ensuring our airport is prepared for the future of aviation,” said Jim Welch, Louisville Regional Airport Authority (LRAA) Board chair. “The Louisville Airport Improvement Project, which began nearly 30 years ago helped drive economic growth and that vision is alive and well today with the completion of Taxiway Alpha.”
Louisville’s airports are large economic engines for Central Kentucky. In 2011, Louisville International and Bowman Field generated recurring economic impacts of more than 64,000 jobs, nearly $2.30 billion in payroll, more than $7 billion in economic activity, and more than $320 million in state and local taxes.
The construction of Taxiway Alpha required sections of Crittenden Drive to be relocated and a new bridge to be built over the CSX tracks. Also, taxiway construction required the relocation of FedEx’s aircraft parking area and the company’s feeder-truck and employee parking lots. While the taxiway is now complete, there is still some work to be done on Crittenden Drive. The final phase includes a new Woodlawn Overpass, which will ensure that residents continue to have easy access to jobs and transportation.
The estimated total cost of the taxiway project is approximately $46.6 million. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributed approximately $43.8 million, while the LRAA funded approximately $2.8 million.
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