The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport will re-open at noon on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, following a four-month runway extension and lighting improvement project that began in May. The initial re-opening will be for daytime operations. There will be short periods of runway closures in the coming weeks as the contractor completes various tasks.
The re-opening follows improvements by Atkins Engineering and contractor LoJac Enterprises, Inc., which include the construction of a new taxiway connectors "A2" and A3", construction of a new LED airfield lighting system and improved signage and drainage to meet FAA standards for Stormwater runoff. The LED lighting system will have an immediate impact in reducing electrical expenses.
The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport is home to several businesses which include Mike Jones Avionics and Maintenance, Murfreesboro Aviation, Executive Air Express, the Middle Tennessee State University Aerospace Department and Vanderbilt Life Flight.
"These businesses, which depend on a fully-functioning airport, have been very patient during the construction period," said Airport Manager Chad Gehrke. "We appreciate their patience and efforts by our engineers and contractors to minimize the airport closure times for the airport and traveling public. The success of this project has been in the teamwork displayed by all of the various companies and agencies involved."
The airport has several events planned in September, including Wheels & Wings on September 26.
The City Council approved the $4.5 million contract with LoJac Enterprises for the Runway Project on March 16, 2015. Grant funding for the project is a combination of federal, state and local funds. The majority of state funding stems from the Airfield Pavement Overlay Project.
Local funding is provided through Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds and annual Debt Service payments.
The Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, located at 1930 Memorial Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN, 37129, is a general aviation airport serving Middle Tennessee. The airport's largest tenant is the Aerospace Department of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), one of the top schools for aviation in the nation.
