Runway Improvements

Project overview

Runway 2/20 has reached the end of its useful life and requires reconstruction. Uninterrupted air access is necessary for the critical users of Rochester International Airport (RST). Air ambulance operations, cargo carriers transporting medical supplies and patient travelers rely on RST remaining open 24/7. Construction is underway on a multi-year project to reconstruct and improve the airfield.

Read the press release: RST breaks ground on $79.2M Runway Improvements Project

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold in-person and remote access public meetings on the application of BP Midwest Product Pipelines Holdings LLC (BPMW) for a Route Permit for their proposed Rochester Airport Pipeline Relocation Project (Project). View the Meeting Notice Here.

In Person Meeting:
Date: Monday, June 27, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Rochester Event Center 7333 Airport View Drive SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Link to venue website: https://rochestereventcenter.com/

Remote-Access Meeting:
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m.
WebEx Link: https://minnesota.webex.com
WebEx (Meeting) Number: 2495 240 7195
WebEx Password: MNPUC
Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330 United States Toll Free Access Code: 2495 240 7195

If you are joining the meeting by WebEx and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the designated portion of the meeting, use the chat function to send a message to the meeting moderator. If you are joining the meeting by phone, press *3 on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, your line will be unmuted, and you will be able to ask questions and provide comments.

Additional information and instructions are available at: https://mn.gov/puc/activities/meetings/webex/

Project Funding

RST gratefully received financial support from a combination of federal, state and local agencies to fund this project.

Federal Aviation Administration $ 62.8 million

State of Minnesota $ 11.4 million

City of Rochester $ 5.0 million

TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 79.2 million

Project components

Reconstruction and improvements to Runway 2/20 and associated taxiways

Instrument approach improvements

Reconstruction of runway intersection

Environmental analysis and site mitigation

Land acquisition and utility and road relocation

Specifically the project will include:

A 1,647-foot extension to Runway 2/20 and Taxiway B resulting in ultimate 8,354-foot runway
New 40-inch pavement section (sand, gravel, pavement)
12,000-pound concrete breaker used for the project
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