Shifting the 7300 foot runway to the NE

Runway Shift Project Update: October 28, 2024

In conjunction with JViation, a Woolpert Company, and DePatco Construction, the Runway Shift Project has begun. A five-phase construction project started on September 16, 2024, and will be completed by approximately October 2025. This page will be updated with the latest information on this project.

PDF Printable of Five-Phase Runway Shift Construction Plan for DIJ Runway 4/22

Phase 1: PRELIMINARY WORK: 28 DAYS: COMPLETED

Monday, September 16, 2024 - Sunday, October 13, 2024

Critical goal(s): Complete work in canal and prepare runway extension area.

• Constructed diversion structure in Grand Teton Canal
• Constructed Sweetgrass Road extension from 2500 N (Hastings Lane) to Sweetwater subdivision
• Preliminary earth moving outside airport fence
• Constructed new airport perimeter fence

Phase 2 | Extend Runway and Taxiway | 77 days: UPCOMING

Monday, May 12, 2025 - Sunday, July 27, 2025 (approximate start date)

Critical goal(s): prepare runway extension as much as possible before the closure (Phase 3A)

Minimum work to be completed

• Relocate Runway 22 threshold
• Construct runway extension     
• Construct taxiway extension, up to top layer of gravel

Additional work items that may be completed

• Construct new airport perimeter fence
• Pave Taxiway A extension
• Electrical work behind closure barricades
• Top soil and seeding

Impacts to airport users

• Displaced threshold on Runway 22 (short duration closure)
• 5,630 feet available runway length

Impacts to general public

• Construction traffic on 2500 N and Falcon Lane

Phase 3A | Reconfigure Existing Runway | 30 days

Monday, July 28, 2025 - Tuesday, August 26, 2025: RUNWAY CLOSURE

Critical goal(s): All work within the runway safety area will be completed. Shifted runway will be open to air traffic upon completion of Phase 3A.

Minimum work to be completed

Reconfigure existing runway, including:

• Replace runway lighting systems
• Grooving (30 days after paving)
• Grooving after Phase 3A may be coordinated only if it occurs at night
• Seal coat
• Pavement markings
• Construct taxiway connector at Runway 4 end
• Remove "old runway" at Runway 4 end (935 feet)
• Shouldering runway extension with asphalt millings
• Top soil and seeding
• Waterline installation (by others)

Additional work items that may be completed

Pave Taxiway A extension

• Remove additional pavement from Runway 4 end (see Phase 4)
• Place millings on Sweetgrass Road extension (see Phase 4)
• Any uncompleted work items from any other phase

Impacts to airport users

• Closed Runway 4/22
• Closed turf runway

Impacts to general public

• Construction traffic on 2500 N, Falcon Lane, and Main St

Phase 3B | Finish Taxiway Extension | 8 days (only if not completed in 3A)

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - Wednesday, September 3, 2025 (approximate dates)

Critical goal(s): Finish Taxiway A

Minimum work to be completed

Finish Taxiway A extension, including:

• Paving
• Shouldering
• Paint

Additional work items that may be completed

• Phase 4 work items (pavement removal and millings placement on road)
• Grooving after Phase 3A may be coordinated only if it occurs at night

Impacts to airport users

• Taxiway A closed north of Mustang Ranch
• Taxiway A extension can likely be opened with non-standard conditions when contractor is not working, such as the weekend and evenings.
• Full runway open, except that back taxiing may be required for Runway 22 departures.
• Potential for runway closures at night to accommodate grooving.

Impacts to general public

• Construction traffic on 2500 N and Falcon Lane

Phase 4 | Finish Access Road | 17 days

Thursday, September 4, 2025 - Saturday, September 20, 2025 (approximate dates)

Critical goal(s):

• Finish Sweetgrass Road extension
• Substantial completion

Minimum work to be completed

• Place asphalt millings on Sweetgrass Road extension
• Remove additional portion of "old runway" south of Runway 4
• Miscellaneous clean-up

Additional work items that may be completed

• Grooving after Phase 3A may be coordinated only if it occurs at night
• Impacts to airport users
• Potential for runway closures at night to accommodate grooving

Impacts to general public

• One-way traffic on Sweetgrass Road from 2500 N (Hastings Lane) to Sweetwater subdivision.
• Construction traffic on 2500 N, Falcon Lane, and Main St

Phase 5 | Final Paint | 3 nights

Friday, October 3, 2025 - Sunday, October 5, 2025 (approximate dates)

Critical goal(s): finish runway painting

Minimum work to be completed

• Final paint

Additional work items that may be completed

• Miscellaneous cleanup

Impacts to airport users

• Runway 4/22 closed at night

Impacts to general public

• None

Additional Runway Shift Project Information:

April 2024 Op-Ed from Mayor Christensen

January 2024 Runway Shift Letter from the Mayor

Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport Runway Shift Project Facts

Watch our two explainer videos on the runway and the Runway Shift Project to learn all the details. This project page will be updated as new information is available.

Here are some easy Facts to skim: GENERAL RUNWAY FACTS and RUNWAY SHIFT FACTS .