New Group VI Parallel Runway at Calgary International Airport A Case History of Successful Implementation and Lessons Learned

Abstract

The new Parallel Runway Project (Runway 17L-35R) at Calgary International Airport (YYC) became operational on June 28, 2014. It is a new 14000 ft x 200 ft runway and dual parallel taxiway system with over 1.2 million yd² of concrete paving and an overall investment of $590 million. The new runway provides the airport with a Group VI (ICAO Code F) CAT IIIA all-weather airport runway to satisfy the air travel accessibility and economic needs of the Calgary region with direct flight capability to Asia. The construction of a new parallel runway was planned since the early 1970s when the land was acquired by the Government of Canada and land use around the airport has been controlled by the city since that time. This paper describes key milestones and events in the initial planning, program management, preliminary and detailed designs and construction management strategy as well as key implementation decisions that were adopted for the new runway. The runway work was also heavily integrated with other projects that were carried out simultaneously including the new 22-gate international terminal, new control tower and 6-lane tunnel under the runway. The integration of these projects is summarized as are the key lessons learned on the project including the initial framework study and life cycle cost analysis that set the parameters for the contracting strategy for this successful project.