Strategic Pavement Management Nets Millions in Savings

Runway 12L-30R is one of two primary runways at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and the only CAT II/III runway in both directions. As part of the pavement management update in 2015, CMT evaluated the entire airfield pavement network.

CMT closely evaluated the runway and recommended a strategic rehabilitation/reconstruction program to improve the runway pavement. The majority of the distress was in the outer panels of the middle 3,000 feet of the runway. The outer panels of the western 3,000 feet had isolated distresses, while the eastern 3,000 feet were in satisfactory condition. CMT recommended a full reconstruction of the middle of the runway’s outer panels and select panel replacement, spall repairs, patch repairs, and joint repairs on the western and eastern thirds. This two-part program will extend the service life of the runway without requiring a full runway reconstruction.

The select panel removal and replacement was completed in 2018.  The reconstruction of the outer panels between Taxiways L and J began in 2019.

CMT also evaluated the existing runway lighting circuits. Several circuits were frequently displaying low resistance readings and required ongoing maintenance from the airport. CMT tested and evaluated all 12 runway circuits and recommended full replacement of six. The runway edge light, touchdown zone lights, and western centerline lights received new fixtures, cable, and homeruns to the airfield vault. The mandatory signs were all replaced with LED and received new cable and homeruns to the vault.

CMT has been providing pavement management and design services to Lambert St. Louis International since 1995.