This is the Industrial Estate where the mobile asphalt will be built, which will produce asphalt for the runway.
Whyalla Airport runway upgrade underway
Work is officially underway on the $32 million Whyalla Airport runway upgrade.
Infrastructure company Fulton Hogan has been appointed as the project contractor, with early planning completed last week and preparatory activities now in progress at the airport site.
Local contractors have played a key role in the initial construction phases, with Whyalla Earthworks, Rabig Bulk Haulage, and Black Oak Quarries actively engaged to date in work at both the Industrial Estate and the airport.
Several additional local contractors are also set to participate in upcoming stages, including SMS and FMG Engineering (geotechnical work); Aquest (electrical work and construction); Industrial Plumbing Solutions (IPS – plumbing and construction); and Stassi Engineering (contract superintendent services).
Opportunities for local work
Mayor Phill Stone highlighted the importance of the upgrade to the city.
"This project represents a significant investment in Whyalla’s infrastructure, and it is essential in maintaining a functioning airport for Whyalla and the surrounding region,” Mayor Stone said.
“We’re pleased to see strong local contractor involvement and I encourage more local contractors and job seekers to contact Fulton Hogan and see how they can contribute to delivering a high-quality outcome for the community."
Businesses and individuals interested in work or supply opportunities are encouraged to contact Fulton Hogan’s Airport team via airports@fultonhogan.com.au
Preparation work for the mobile asphalt plant (MAP) has started – this will be constructed at the Industrial Estate, ensuring separation from the community and minimising any potential impacts from noise or smell. The location also reduces the amount of trucking required via the city, with aggregate travelling along the Iron Knob Highway and Arthur Glennie Drive.
In terms of asphalt trucking, this will predominantly occur at night along Playford Avenue and the Lincoln Highway, mostly between April and May. To ensure safe trucking operations along Playford Avenue, the following traffic management controls will be in place:
- Speed limit restricted to 40km/h
- Trucks must operate in the right-hand lane only
- Each truck will be individually numbered for tracking
Upcoming project milestones include:
- Completion of MAP and amenity construction
- Overlaying the runway with new asphalt
- Reconstructing the existing apron
- Installation of new runway/airstrip lighting
Also, a reminder that the Royal Flying Doctor Service will continue to operate throughout the project, as will regular flights, so residents can still travel while the work is underway. There are currently significant flight sales available, covering periods right throughout this year, so residents are encouraged to check those out before Monday 3 March to save on travel costs: https://whycc.au/3QvKZFT.
This project is being made possible by $16.2 million in Federal Government funding and $13.8 million in State Government funding.
Council will continue to provide updates as the project progresses – be sure to keep an eye on our project page and the My Local Services app for complete coverage.
