News & Insights

Dunsmuir Runway Reconstruction Highlighted in Airport Improvement

Kevin Fix and Heath Hildebrandt Discuss Project that Promotes Safe Airport Operations

Kevin Fix, PE

Kevin Fix, PE

Aviation Engineer

Heath Hildebrandt, PE

Heath Hildebrandt, PE

Aviation Engineer

Located in Dunsmuir, CA, the 126-acre Dunsmuir Municipal-Mott Airport’s single runway had aged pavement, a significant obstruction, and a lack of visibility that hindered safe operations. Kimley-Horn initially performed a Pavement Condition Index to assess the distresses on the runway and then was chosen by the airport to design improvements. Striving for cost-effective and sustainable processes, project manager Heath Hildebrandt, PE, and project engineer Kevin Fix, PE, spoke with Airport Improvement about the project and how they utilized recycled asphalt for runway reconstruction.  

“By optimizing the material on-site, we were able to minimize the runway closure time and minimize project costs.”

The Dunsmuir Municipal-Mott Airport opened again to the public in August 2021 with a reconstructed runway and a new design for enhanced landing visibility through the addition of edge stripes and reflectors. The runway improvements will provide further support for firefighting helicopter activities at the airport and allow visitors and locals to fly with increased safety on takeoffs and landings. 

About the Experts

Kevin Fix, PE

Kevin Fix, PE

With experience in aviation airside projects as well as design and construction management, Kevin has worked on projects that involve runway rehabilitation and reconstruction, pavement management, drainage improvements, and construction phase services. Kevin’s varied engineering experience includes working on projects for general aviation facilities and larger commercial service airports, and one of his notable endeavors involved providing on-site construction management services for a municipal airport project.

Heath Hildebrandt, PE

Heath Hildebrandt, PE

With more than 22 years of engineering experience, Heath has a diverse background with multidiscipline airport projects that involve design and construction. Some of Heath’s particular areas of knowledge are in runway and taxiway design, pavement management, relocations, planning, and rehabilitation projects. As a project manager for numerous AIP-funded projects, Heath can provide experienced insights about airspace, airport operations, and FAA Advisory Circulars. Heath has also been a construction manager for many airfield construction projects and regularly must balance the needs of stakeholders in municipal, state, and federal agencies.

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