Bemidji Regional Airport Runway
Client: Bemidji Regional Airport
Location: Bemidji, MN
Completed: 2024
Service: Engineering, Surveying, Environmental
“Karvakko kept us on schedule, minimizing the entire airport’s closure time.”
Project
Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) is a key hub for both commercial and general aviation, contributing about $58 million to the community. However, its main runway, Runway 13/31, was deteriorating rapidly due to increased aircraft size and traffic.
This put BJI’s ability to provide safe, reliable service at risk, especially since any repair work would require closing a main intersecting runway. The airport authority needed expert help to find the best solution.
Solution
Karvakko Engineering stepped in to tackle the runway issue head-on. They carried out detailed geotechnical investigations to identify the problems and future-proof the runway. They also helped BJI secure nearly $6 million in funding from the FAA and MnDOT Aeronautics.
In 2023, Karvakko helped BJI complete the design phase and managed a successful bidding process, securing competitive and under-budget bids. Construction kicked off later that year.
Results
Throughout the project, Karvakko provided round-the-clock supervision to ensure quality and safety. According to Karen Weller, the airport’s executive director, Karvakko’s careful planning and communication minimized disruptions, keeping the airport functional.
The rehabilitation and strengthening of Runway 13/31 ensure that BJI is ready for future aviation growth, providing a safe and reliable runway for years to come.
The runway project was one in a long line of Karvakko/BJI collaborations. Kyle Christiansen, director of operations, cites mutual trust as the foundation of their long-standing relationship.
With a solid foundation, Karvakko and BJI look forward to many more successful projects in the future.
Previous Collaborations
- Planning Area #3 Taxilane & Perimeter Road Paving
- New Concrete Apron Design & Construction
- South General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation
- Terminal Apron Rehabilitation
- Multiple Hangar Designs & Constructions
- West General Aviation New Apron
- ARFF Vehicle & Snow Removal Equipment Acquisitions
- New Snow Removal Equipment Building & Maintenance Shop
- Master Planning & Airport Layout Planning
- Box Hangar Design & Construction
- CIP Formulation
- Industrial Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Management
- Taxiway J Design & Construction
- Terminal Building Expansion
- Parking Lot Expansion
- Taxilane Design & Construction
- PFC Program Management & Applications
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plans Preparation
- Customized Airport Zoning
- Self Service Fuel Systems
- Preliminary Engineer Reports
- T-Hangar Design & Construction
- Airfield Lighting Projects
- Runway 7/25 Reconstruction
- Taxiway A, C, & D Modification & Rehabilitation
