TOPEKA, KS The Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority (MTAA) has awarded a contract to for design services for the reconstruction of Runway 13-31 at Topeka Regional Airport. The contract has been approved and funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Guard Bureau through the Kansas Air National Guard 190th Air Refueling Wing.

Reconstruction of Runway 13-31 will provide for the replacement of the existing pavements, which are nearing the end of their service life with or asphaltic concrete pavement. Additionally, the reconstruction will provide for the narrowing of the runway from 200 feet to 150 feet while maintaining the runway's length at approximately 2.4 miles. Improvements to pavement edge drains as well as the vertical profile of the runway in selected areas, relocation of the existing high-intensity runway lighting system, construction sequencing and traffic control are included in the project.

Runway 13-31 serves as the primary runway for aircraft using the Topeka Regional Airport, including KC-135 tanker aircrafts of the Kansas Air National Guard 190th Air Refueling Wing, which is based at the airport.

Parsons Brinckerhoff will provide project management and design services for the design of the reconstruction project and assist the MTAA during the construction bid phase of the project. The firm will also assist the MTAA with coordination of the project with the FAA and the Kansas Air National Guard.

, Area Manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff's Kansas operations said, "This project represents a significant improvement to the joint military/commercial aviation facility in the region and is a great partnership between various and local and federal agencies."