Rochester International Airport breaks ground on $79.2 million Runway Improvements Project

Rochester, MN (May 7, 2021) –Rochester International Airport (RST) breaks ground on Phase 1 of construction on RST’s runway improvements project today.

“We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and support that has brought us to this point. Funding a large project requires great collaboration at the federal, state and local levels,” said John Reed, RST’s executive director. “Reconstruction of Runway 2/20 kicks off today, resulting in new jobs in our area and ensuring uninterrupted air access for travelers in our region.”

RST’s runway project is a multi-year, multi-phase project to replace Runway 2/20, which has reached the end of its useful life. The total cost of the project is $79.2 million and includes:

• A 1,647-foot extension to Runway 2/20 and Taxiway B
• New 40-inch pavement section (sand, gravel, pavement)
• 275,000 square yards of pavement removed and recycled
• 7 million cubic yards of material excavated
• 8 miles of underdrain tile to improve drainage
• 13 miles of underground electrical cable and conduit
• 500 new LED runway and taxiway lights
• Improved approach capabilities

The project was funded with $62.8 million from the Federal Aviation Administration, $11.4 million from the State of Minnesota and $5.0 million in local funding. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on the closed runway at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7^th. Federal, state and local elected officials and airport stakeholders will gather to celebrate the project.

Learn more about the Runway Project.

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