
Johnstone Point Runway Improvements
Hinchinbrook Island, Alaska
Ahtna managed the construction of this runway repair project at Johnstone Point Runway, Hinchinbrook Island, Alaska. Johnstone Point Runway 6/24 is an active FAA-owned runway that is +/-1,700 feet long and +/-60 feet wide and is constrained on the east end by a creek and on the west end by vegetation and terrain. Most of the runway improvement area is located on the west end of runway 6. The island can be accessed by small to medium aircraft and/or barge or landing craft; however, there are no docks or harbors on the island and barge landings are on the beach only. Ahtna performed survey and grade check, excavation, construction of drainage ditches, tree removal, erosion control, installation of a culvert, grading and compacting, placement of material, and restoration. In preparation for the project, Ahtna developed plans; obtained permits; procured subcontractors, professional services, and vendors; and mobilized all resources to the site.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Remote Location – To ensure a successful completion of this project, Ahtna developed a Risk Management Plan prior to the start of any work. This plan included information on emergency planning, risk and hazard assessment with the appropriate activity hazard analysis (AHA) and safety data sheets (SDS) information provided; and subcontractor management.
Project Utilities – There is no lodging at this site, so Ahtna provided a self-contained man camp equipped with lodging, water, meals, and sanitation facilities.
Equipment Maintenance – Due to the remote nature of the project, materials were mobilized to the site for equipment oil changes as well as other routine equipment maintenance and repairs that were executed by Ahtna’s experienced operators.