Balfour Beatty has secured the contract to spearhead the expansion of the runway at Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville, North Carolina, US.  

The project, being delivered on behalf of Onslow County, encompasses the renovation and extension of both the taxiway and runway. 

This will serve travellers in Jacksonville, Wilmington, New Bern, and the broader Eastern North Carolina area. 

The company, acting as the general contractor, will oversee the construction of a new 900ft runway and taxiway extension to accommodate larger aircraft. 

The project also involves the installation of a new Medium-Intensity Approach Light System with Runway to improve pilot navigation during departures and arrivals.  

Additionally, Balfour Beatty is tasked with creating a new entrance for the airport's roadway and realigning North Carolina Highway 111 to facilitate the extended runway. 

The construction agreement, valued at approximately £23m ($29.94m), was sanctioned by the county in mid-2024, with the full award of the contract anticipated by early 2025.  

Construction is set to commence towards the end of 2024.  

Balfour Beatty North Carolina project executive Josh Taylor said: “Balfour Beatty will leverage its extensive experience in the delivery of runway expansions to deliver these exciting new additions to Albert J. Ellis Airport.   

“Once complete, the revitalised airport will provide a convenient travel experience for passengers and the driving public who come to and from Onslow County.”   

The latest development follows Balfour Beatty Vinci's installation of a 1,600-tonne bridge over the Birmingham to Derby railway line in Saltley, Birmingham, UK.