The Lincoln Airport showcased one of the largest infrastructure projects in its history on Friday afternoon. KLIN News got a behind-the-scenes look as Airport officials, in partnership with the Nebraska Air National Guard, hosted event highlighting the Runway 18/36 Reconstruction Project.
The runway reconstruction is considered a major investment in Lincoln’s aviation future, supporting both commercial air service and military operations. “It’s history is rooted in the Cold War, built to support the B-47 bombers of the Strategic Air Command,” says Major General Craig Strong, Commander of the Nebraska National Guard.
“Today this extreme length and reinforced concrete translates directly into strategic flexibility for the Department of War.” The 12,901 foot long and 200 foot wide runway project has a price tag of $100 million and will also accommodate both Breeze Airways and American Airlines, which recently began service at LNK.
LNK Director of Development Chad Lay says 1991 was the last time they did a significant runway repaving project. “And that followed up in 2014 by a patching project. The runway had really reached the end of it’s useful life.” The project is being done in phases and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
Photos: KLIN’s Chris Lofgreen