Delaware Coastal Airport taxiway replacement to begin soon

January 31, 2025 8

Work is expected to begin in about two months on a new taxiway to improve safety at the Sussex County-owned Delaware Coastal Airport. Additionally, a new security system will be installed this year.

Airport Manager Bob Bryant said during the Jan. 22 Airport Advisory Committee meeting that a bid has been awarded for the first phase of the four-phase project to build a taxiway that complies with Federal Aviation Administration standards.

People must cross the current taxiway when walking from the terminal to planes, which is a safety hazard, Bryant said. The taxiway will be moved to the opposite side of the runway.

Work is expected to begin by the end of March or in April, Bryant said.

A $3,375,555 bid – the lowest of three received – was awarded in June to Allan Myers Construction, which has several facilities across the state. Another $480,000 will be paid to Delta Airport Consultants for construction administrative services.

The total cost of the taxiway is projected to top $15 million, with work scheduled to continue over the next five years. The FAA will pay 90% of project costs; the county will cover the balance.

When completed, the new taxiway will be the length of the 550-foot runway. Much of the drainage work for the overall project is in this year’s phase, which will include the middle of the taxiway across from the terminal, Bryant said.

Ron Verosko, manager of safety and security for the county, said an outdated, 20-year-old security system for accessing the airport will be replaced at a cost of $106,855. The hardware and labor were purchased from Advantech through a state bid awarded in February 2024.