FNL Runway 15-33 Widening Project 

 

 

Next Meeting: July 8, 2026 3PM-4PM
Location: FNL Administration Building, 4900 Earhart Rd. Loveland CO 80538

Virtual Option: Zoom-  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83953581244?pwd=02wUgiXyRWrkrbaYRNXcb0SwyJMNap.1

*Project Meetings are scheduled every two weeks on a Wednesday at 3:00PM

Air Traffic Control Hours (0600-2000)

  • Every other Friday ATC Hours are 0600-0000)
    • June 12th & 26th
    • July 10th & 24th
    • August 7th & 21st
    • September 4th & 18th
    • October 2nd, 16th, & 30th
    • November 6th

Safety Management System (SMS) / Safety Risk Management (SRM) Panel

Meeting #1 – April 24, 2026
Meeting #2 – May 19, 2026

As part of the FAA‑required Safety Risk Management (SRM) process, a comprehensive evaluation has been completed to assess construction‑related risks, required mitigations, and operational impacts for Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4.

The construction plan has been accepted through the SRM process, with several items requiring ongoing mitigation, tracking, and monitoring throughout the project to ensure continued safety.

Below is a summary of the key SRM outcomes and operational considerations that may affect your activity during construction.

SRM Outcomes and Required/Recommended Operational Actions

  • ATIS – Inclusion of B‑II Aircraft Restriction

The ATIS will include language specifying B‑II aircraft specific to max wingspan (79 ft) and max approach speed (121 knots) only for the duration of the shortened‑runway configuration.

  • Letter to Airmen (LTA)

A Letter to Airmen will be published summarizing runway length reductions, declared distances, taxiway impacts, training restrictions, and other B‑II and operational limitations.

  • Safety Stand‑Down for Flight Schools and the GA Community (Integrated into Bi‑Monthly Construction Meetings)

Safety discussions will be incorporated into the bi‑monthly construction coordination meetings, covering runway limitations, taxiway changes, training restrictions, and phase‑specific reminders.

  • No Pattern Work Permitted

Pattern work will not be permitted during Phases 1 and 2 to reduce traffic complexity and maintain safety near construction activity. This applies to all fixed‑wing aircraft, including both based and transient training providers.

  • VFR‑Only Operations

Special VFR may be requested through ATC and is subject to approval. No IFR operations will be available for departures or arrivals.

  • No Early Turnouts on Departure

Aircraft must maintain runway heading until fully past the construction area. Early turnouts are prohibited due to proximity to construction personnel and equipment.

Overflight of Construction Areas

As part of the SRM review, the risks associated with aircraft overflying active construction zones—including during landings, departures, and go‑arounds—were thoroughly evaluated.

With mitigations in place such as relocated thresholds, restricted equipment zones, Part 77 height compliance, and ATC procedural controls, the SRM panel determined that these operations are acceptable to proceed at this stage of the project.

Airport Operations will continue tracking and monitoring these items throughout Phases 1 and 2.

What This Means for You

During Phases 1 and 2, tenants should expect:

  • Reduced runway length and declared distance adjustments
  • No traffic pattern operations, including touch‑and‑go, stop‑and‑go, low approach, and full‑stop taxi‑back procedures
  • Continued safety coordination during bi‑monthly meetings
  • VFR‑only operations
  • Mandatory runway‑heading departures until clear of construction areas
  • Enhanced ATIS advisories
  • Advance notice before each phase transition or temporary closure

Questions or Feedback

If you have any questions regarding these SRM outcomes or operational changes, please contact Airport Operations.

 

FNL Runway 15-33 Widening Project

Cost: $20,675,982   

Description: This project will widen Runway 15-33 from 100-feet to a total width of 150-feet. New structural runway pavement will be constructed adjacent to the existing pavement section with new runway lighting, signage, and edge drains. The five existing connector taxiways adjacent to the east side of the runway will be modified to tie into the new runway edge. After completion of paving, a seal coat will be applied to all runway pavement, followed by new runway pavement markings. 

Projects Summary:

  • Widen runway 15/33 from 100 ft to 150 ft to meet current FAA standards.
  • Correct Geometry of Taxiway connectors.
  • Widen blast pads.
  • Extend runway grooving.
  • Install new underdrains.
  • Replace electrical systems, including lighting, signage and PAPIs.

Project Impacts:

  • Temporary reduction in operational capacity for the duration of construction. For a detailed breakdown of anticipated operational impacts, please refer to the Informational Packet below.

Runway Distance Remaining (RDR) Signs:

As part of the RW 15‑33 Widening Project, the Runway Distance Remaining (RDR) signs have been temporarily augmented and repositioned to reflect the most accurate conditions possible during Phase 1 of construction.

Due to construction phasing and the inability to install signs in their exact standard locations, the temporary RDR signs do not reflect 100% precise distance‑remaining values. However, the updated placement significantly improves situational awareness and safety compared to having no distance reference during the shortened runway operations.

Please refer to the attached document titled “FNL RW 15‑33 Widening – RDR Panel Relocation (Phase 1 & 2)” for a visual depiction of:

  • The temporary sign locations
  • The actual corresponding distance remaining for each sign
  • The differences caused by construction staging and temporary threshold shifts

These temporary signs will remain in place throughout Phase 1 to support safe operations and will be replaced or removed as phases transition.

If you have any questions regarding these changes, operational impacts, or how they relate to your aircraft performance requirements, please contact Airport Operations.

Important Documents:

 

Questions?

Call: 970-962-2850   

Email: FNLCustomerService@cityofloveland.org

Last Updated: 06/26/2026