The extension to the runway at the Marsh Harbour airport has been called off for now following further technical studies carried out by the government.
Works and Utilities Minister Bradley Roberts, who made the disclosure at a breakfast meeting in Abaco recently said the 1,000 feet extension would have allowed the airport to accommodate the larger 737 series aircraft. But, he reported that based on the findings of his technical officers, in collaboration with international aviation consulting experts, the government has taken the decision not to extend the runway at this time.
“This is not as straightforward a case as I was originally led to believe.
“It involves much more survey work and logistical planning,” he explained.
Minister Roberts added that the implementation of the project, which is also beyond the budgetary allocation for this fiscal year, would have also necessitated the closure of the runway, thus negatively impacting the operators at the airport.
“The Minister of Transport and Works have decided that in view of its current operating conditions, the Marsh Harbour airport will remain open,” he said. Earlier this year, the government signed a $3,068,470.85 with Bahamas Hot Mix for improvements to the airside at the airport.
And although the runway extension will not take place, the other works involving the repaving of the existing runway and apron, using asphalt with improvements to drainage and the construction of a parallel taxiway on the north side of the existing runway, would continue as usual.
It is understood that some of the work would have to be conducted at night.
“These works will be complemented by the construction of a 60 ft high air traffic control tower at a cost of $2.5 million,” Minister Roberts said.
“Experts have advised that the construction of a control tower will be warmly welcomed by pilots as it will enhance the safety and international designation of the airport.”
Airports requiring more landing distance than that at the Marsh Harbour airport will be invited to utilize the runway at the Treasure Cay airport, which has a length of 7,500 feet.
By: KEVA LIGHTBOURNE, The Nassau Guardian
