Christchurch International Airport continues to grow its position as New Zealand’s South Island hub. With the introduction of Airbus A380 aircraft, widening Taxiway Alpha in front of the terminal was required.

The work was undertaken on an operational site with site vehicles gaining access via a live taxiway crossing. The work programme required close collaboration to achieve an accelerated design phase and robust onsite management to meet the airport’s operational demands.

Extensive briefings, dedicated airside escorts and physical hold points were implemented to control site movements.

The pavement works were temporarily reinstated and surfaces sprayed with prime coat at the end of each shift to minimise the risk of jet blast from adjacent aircraft stands.

This contract required the widening of two taxiways, the construction of a new taxiway shoulder and construction of ducting and related civil works for the revised taxiway centreline lighting work.

An experienced delivery team ensured the contract quality and reporting requirements were achieved along with 100 per cent safety, environmental and airside security compliance.