Construction project wraps up at SBN, paving the way for airport growth
SOUTH BEND,Ind. -- The South Bend International Airport hosted a ribbon-cutting on its airfield Tuesday, celebrating the conclusion of the 'Taxiway Bravo Realignment and Ramp Reconstruction' project.
As part of this project, there was major excavation work, new asphalt and concrete laid down, 26 miles of new cables installed, plus improvements to lighting, stormwater structures, and new painted airfield markings.
Patrick Mac Carthaigh, Vice President of Operations at the South Bend International Airport, says this marks the conclusion of a seven-year process.
According to airport officials, the project happened over five construction seasons to limit impacts to airport operations. It started at the west side of the airfield and moved east as it was completed.
Airport officials say the Taxiway Bravo realignment was needed for both safety and separation. Correcting the geometry of the taxiway separates it from the terminal ramp and makes it easier for pilots to navigate. The terminal ramp was also lowered four feet during this construction. Officials say improvements like these are important as the airport grows, welcoming more frequent flights and larger planes.
Patrick Mac Carthaigh, Vice President of Operations at the South Bend International Airport, says that before this project, only two of the nine gates could accommodate mainline aircraft.
"Every gate can take a regional-sized aircraft, but only two could take the larger aircraft. So by incorporating that into this project, we're now able to get the larger aircraft at every single one of our gates. The benefit to air service, we never have to say no. If somebody says, 'I want to bring this plane', we say yes," said Mac Carthaigh.
This makes South Bend International Airport more attractive to airlines.
Of the $105 million price tag, Mac Carthaigh says $96 million of that was paid for by Federal FAA funds, and the rest was split 50/50 between the Indiana DOT and the airport's local funding.
Jeff Rea, CEO and President of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, says oftentimes, the airport is people’s first impression and a centerpiece to the community.
"These are the non-sexy things, if you will, that have to happen for an airport to run. We're grateful for the continued investment, the leadership here at South Bend International Airport to really make this a world-class airport. These investments really have got the attention of airlines. We've been out here many times to announce new routes, and so people in our region have some great opportunities to fly in and out of here because of the good work everybody's doing here," said Rea.
Rea says the airport is one of the biggest economic drivers in the region and has a historically large economic impact.
As part of this project, there’s a new de-icing pad as well, for what airport officials say will be more efficient de-icing operations.