# CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS — INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT — NORTH END AROUND TAXIWAY

- **Sector:** Airport Construction
- **Client:** City of Charlotte, NC, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
- **Location:** Charlotte, NC
- **State:** North Carolina
- **Status:** complete
- **Site Size:** 200 Acres

## By the Numbers

- 2,150,000 CY Unclassified Excavation
- 151,000 CY Unsuitable Excavation
- 14,000 LF Storm Drainage (Up to 84”)
- 60+ Stormwater Structures
- 45,000 CY Recycled Concrete Aggregate Produced

## Challenge

Construct a critical north end-around taxiway in preparation for CLT’s Fourth Parallel Runway Program through an area of Airport property that was a notorious dumping ground during past development. Overcome extensive unsuitable soils and existing utility conflicts while working under strict height restrictions that allow for active runway operations overhead.

## Solution

E.S. Wagner deployed specialty equipment that allowed for large-scale excavation while complying with active airfield proximity limitations, coordinated critical utility relocations, and proposed value engineering solutions that allowed for embankment and subgrade stabilization while limiting the cost and scope of expansive unsuitable excavation. The team worked multiple shifts to advance the project schedule and achieve Airport Runway Program milestones.

## Project Scope

NEAT Package 1 & 2 projects were completed as precursor to Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Fourth Parallel Runway Program, preparing more than 200 acres for future taxiway and airfield expansion. Work included over 2.1 million cubic yards of excavation, subgrade and embankment stabilization, utility removals, roadway modifications, and more than 14,000 linear feet of storm drainage infrastructure, with some installations reaching more than 30’ deep in a previous Airport disposal area. The project wrapped around the north end of CLT’s active center runway. The proximity to and work inside the Airport Operational Area forced ESW to comply with restrictive proximity and equipment height limitations, challenging the mass earthwork and forcing extensive nighttime operations and the use of specialty equipment, purposely acquired for the project.