Runway barriers will protect airline passengers, city’s busy roadways
 
Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that Augusta would be able to take major steps to improve the safety of its airport and the busy roadways bordering it. Through a Federal Aviation Administration grant, the airport is receiving $2.75 million for a barrier system for its major runway.
 
“Augusta’s airport and busy Western Avenue are critical to the local economy, but their close proximity makes for a potentially dangerous situation,” said Pingree.  “If a plane went past either end of the runway it would be disastrous. This project allows both the airport and commercial district to continue growing safely.”
 
Both ends of the major runway at Augusta State Airport abut major roadways and have steep drop-offs.  At one end is Interstate 95 and at the other is Western Avenue and the heart of the city’s shopping district.   Over the years, both the airport and roadways have grown to cause the tight quarters.
 
The grant will provide an engineered material arresting system (EMAS) at both ends of the runway.  The system is a series of specialized concrete blocks that crumble to absorb impacts, making crashes safer for aircraft passengers and keeping planes on the runway.
 
“As the nose and landing gear impact, the system collapses, slows and eventually stops the aircraft,” said Augusta Airport Manager John Guimond. “We would be the first in Maine to have one.”