PINEDALE – Four expansion and renovation projects are scheduled at the Pinedale Airport for this summer.

They are planned to coincide as closely as possible to limit disruption for the public’s use of the airport. The runway and the fuel farm will be closed for several weeks and the Big Piney Airport plans to offer general aviation services, according to Pinedale Airport Manager Grover Laseke.

“We will be coordinating with the Big Piney Airport so that at least one airport will always be open,” he said. More information on these impacts will be sent out in April.

Apron expansion

From June 15 to Oct. 1 – about 10 weeks – the East GA Apron will be expanded to build a new one for large aircraft between taxiways Alpha, Bravo and Charlie, he explained in a March 5 release. The fuel farm will be relocated so pilots can expect limited access to fuel.

“This project will not impact aircraft operations but there may be occasional disruptions and construction vehicles operating on the airport,” Laseke advised. The contract for this project is awarded to HK Construction and is funded by an FAA grant.

Runway rehab

The Pinedale runway will be closed for about 10 weeks – except for helicopters – starting around July 4 so HK Construction can grind the old pavement and set new asphalt overlay. This is also an FAA-funded grant.

“Access to the airport ramp, taxiways Bravo and Charlie, the parking lot and all hangars will still be allowed,” Laseke said.

Seal, paint

First, all taxiways and aprons that are not being replaced will have cracks repaired before a seal coating is used. Laseke hopes the crack sealing can be finished while the runway rehab project is ongoing.

“This is a WYDOT-funded project involving multiple airports in the region including the Big Piney Airport,” he said.

After crack sealing, taxiways and ramp pavement will be seal coated and new marks painted, also a WYDOT-funded project for multiple airports including Big Piney.

“As mentioned above we will likewise endeavor to complete this work at the same time as the runway project,” he said. 

In the air

On a separate but relevant note, Laseke confirmed that the Jackson Hole Airport will be closed next year for April, May and June.

“We are working to mitigate impacts of this closure on Sublette County residents and will be making plans to promote the Pinedale Airport as an alternative during this closure,” he said. “More information to come as it becomes available.”