ROANOKE-BLACKSBURG REGIONAL AIRPORT

What began in 1929 as a single, unpaved airstrip on an old family farm has become a bustling hub for air travel in western Virginia, and Branch is proud to have helped in the transformation of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.

Due to its long-standing relationship with the Roanoke Airport Commission, Branch took the lead on a multitude of projects from 1999 to 2012 to provide upgrades to the airport, which serves more than 50,000 passengers each month.

Some of the most crucial work was done on the facility’s runways and taxiways. These rehabilitation projects required accelerated and complex construction schedules and phasing to prevent disruption in commercial air traffic. Branch installed deep storm drainage and performed grade correction, also adding shoulders, markings, signage, and lights.

Branch also performed the demolition of the old terminal building, which included hazardous waste abatement and turning the area into a “green” site. Grading was also performed to prepare for future work along the adjoining taxiways.

Outside the gates, work was completed to provide simpler access to the airport for travelers. The $2M project at the intersection of Aviation Drive and Town Square Boulevard combined the airport entrance, Thirlane Road, and Town Square Boulevard into a single intersection with Aviation Drive. This project was funded in cooperation with the Airport Commission, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the City of Roanoke. The reconfiguration was a great help to local business as it provided easier access to Valley View Mall, Towne Square, and the airport.