Temporary Shortened Runway

The Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport runway has been temporarily shortened to 3850ft following a rupture in a pressurized irrigation line running under the runway, which resulted in shifting structural material under the runway asphalt. Runway repair updates from Woolpert Engineering are posted below. The repair schedule will also be posted below as soon as it is available. At this time, the date of reopening for the full runway length is unknown. Questions may be directed to Billy Cyr, Airport Superintendent, via phone 607-341-8041 or email: bcyr@driggsidaho.org .

UPDATE - JULY 13, 2026:

Work completed

Irrigation | We began coordinating directly with Grand Teton Canal Company regarding the ditch modification agreement. We have provided two options for restoring the pressurized irrigation service and have met with City staff twice this week to discuss the pros and cons of those options.
Geotechnical Investigation | We received the GPR report on Wednesday, July 8. The GPR investigation identified several areas of concern that warrant a physical subgrade investigation before we make final design decisions for the repair. Our subconsultant provided a proposal for that work on Thursday and are scheduled to complete the investigation tomorrow.
Contractor Coordination | We met with the contractor to preemptively discuss constructability concerns with the forthcoming design.
Design | Our design team continues their preliminary design and plan production work, awaiting direction for the final design.

Look Ahead

Geotechnical Investigation | The geotechnical subconsultant will be onsite on Tuesday to collect physical samples from the subgrade. I will personally observe the investigation, and we will receive preliminary test results within two days. The finalized report will be sent within two weeks of the investigation. However, we expect to be able to make design decisions based on field observations and the preliminary test results.
Irrigation | We will continue to explore options related to the irrigation design. We will attend the stakeholder meeting scheduled for Thursday. We expect a decision about the preferred alternative by the end of that meeting, which we will then incorporate into a full design.
Runway Repair Design | Our design team will proceed with the runway repair design as soon as we receive the preliminary results from the geotechnical investigation and irrigation decision.
FAA Coordination | Our next to-do concerning the FAA concerns the irrigation work in the canal. The extent of environmental coordination needed with the FAA will be dependent on the approach we take to restoring the irrigation service.
Contractor Coordination | We will continue to coordinate with the contractor regarding constructability, schedule, and pricing. When specific plans and quantities are preliminarily available, we will begin negotiations for price and schedule to complete the necessary work.

UPDATE - JUNE 30, 2026

Work completed

June 6 On the day of the initial report, Woolpert Airport Engineering staff spent an extended period coordinating an initial response, especially focused on installing a temporary displaced threshold. Communications were held or initiated on Saturday with City staff, the FAA, the general contractor from the Runway Shift project, painting & electrical subcontractors, and internal Woolpert staff.
June 8 Airfield painting and electrical contractors were on site on Monday morning to install the temporary displaced threshold. Woolpert was onsite throughout the day to coordinate this work and further assess the situation. Woolpert began conversations with the geotechnical subconsultant to request a proposal for an initial subgrade investigation. Woolpert also began verbal communication with the FAA, to follow-up with an email sent over the weekend.
June 12 Woolpert provided a preliminary cost estimate to the City and FAA.
June 17 Woolpert's geotechnical subconsultant provided us with a proposal to complete a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey as an initial subgrade investigation.
June 18 Woolpert provided a CATEX letter to the FAA to request environmental approval for the project. FAA provided the necessary approval the same day.
June 24 A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey was completed on the affected area. This survey will precisely identify the area(s) and subgrade depths affected by the water leak.
June 25 Woolpert's survey subconsultant was on-site to collect the topographical data needed for the project. FAA confirmed that remaining grant funds from the runway shift project can be applied towards this runway repair, including to a 15% maximum amendment. We believe this funding will be adequate. A secondary question concerning FAA participation in the relocation of the irrigation pressure pipe diversion remains unanswered.

Look Ahead

Topographic survey Woolpert expects the topographic survey by Thursday, July 2.
GPR survey Woolpert expects the GPR data and report to be delivered to us NLT Wednesday, July 8. Though this is the delivery date specified by our contract, we know that the subconsultants are working to provide us with the data as swiftly as possible. They will notify us immediately of any significant findings.
Design Woolpert's design team has begun work to produce the plan sheets for the runway repair. They will proceed as far as realistically possible without the topographic and GPR surveys, then finalize their work as soon as the necessary data is available. We are simultaneously working on a proposed design for relocating the irrigation diversion structure.
FAA Coordination Our next to-do concerning the FAA concerns the irrigation work in the canal. This week, we will provide detailed information about that proposed work so the FAA can make determination concerning the environmental implications and funding.
Contractor Coordination With FAA support, it is our intent to complete the runway repair as a change order to the runway shift project. This will significantly streamline the design and procurement process. The runway shift contractor is waiting word from us with specific plans and quantities for the runway repair. When those are preliminarily available, we will begin negotiations for price and schedule to complete the necessary work.

Young Eagles Day- Where Kids Take Flight