SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga Municipal Airport (SCD) has a new look after being closed from August through December.
SCD underwent major renovations in the four-month span. The renovations were helped by nearly $2 million in grants awarded to the airport in June 2019 by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The airport runway received a complete overlay, with the old surface being removed and a new surface put down. This project rehabilitated 5,390 feet of Runway 9/27 to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.
The new runway allows for higher capabilities for air traffic, according to Sylacauga Airport Authority Chairman Tommy Dobson.
New markings were also placed on the runway. These markings are much more visible for airplanes which aids in landing during inclement weather.
“In addition to the new asphalt and markings, we now have a new LED lighting system,” said Dobson.
The airport is scheduled to perform the same type of maintenance this fall, but it will not be as extensive and the airport will not close, according to Dobson.
“It means that we can hopefully land larger aircraft that weighs more, since runways are weight sensitive,” said Dobson. “No longer will we have a lacking runway.”
