More than 20 years have passed since the current asphalt was laid, and we have continuously had to inspect and repair the asphalt surface. Now it is due for replacement, and we have started the re-asphalting process. At Bergen Airport, Flesland, the new terminal building opened in 2017, and the airport underwent significant upgrades to match the region's needs. However, the runway was not upgraded at the same time.
Flesland is Norway's second-largest airport, with between 300 and 350 aircraft movements every day throughout the year. Air traffic to domestic and international destinations, as well as helicopter traffic to the North Sea and various other essential services, are crucial for the Vestlandet region.
The re-asphalting at Flesland is the most demanding asphalt operation any airport in Norway has undertaken. We rely on multiple stakeholders, effective project management, intensive work periods, and favorable weather conditions. The work is divided into two phases: the first phase involves preparatory work such as excavation and installation of new conduits and chambers for electronics, cables for new runway lights, and other underground infrastructure. In the second phase, we will remove the old asphalt, lay the new asphalt, install a new lighting system, paint runway markings, and groove the new asphalt surface to improve drainage and friction.
Since we have only one runway, we need to halt air traffic while working on the runway. Therefore, we will be working at night and suspending air traffic during two periods.
The night closures in spring 2024 have already concluded. The next night closure will take place in spring 2025:
- May 5 to June 6, 2025, Monday to Friday, from 19:00 to 07:00.
Next year, the actual asphalt laying will take place, which is an even more demanding operation. We will asphalt one section of the runway at a time on nights with favorable weather conditions. First, the old asphalt will be removed, then new asphalt will be laid, allowed to dry, marked, and prepared for air traffic before resuming operations the next morning. The asphalt is laid at an extremely high temperature to fuse with the existing surface.
There is no planned construction work during the period from Friday morning at 07:00 to Sunday evening at 19:00, and the airport will have normal operating hours during this time
Some of the work may cause noise, and there will be increased activity and traffic in the area. At the same time, the suspension of air traffic will have an impact on those who are accustomed to hearing it. We are doing everything we can to minimize the inconvenience for the airport's neighbors. We hope for understanding that this work is necessary. Once the re-asphalting is completed, we will have an upgraded runway that is safe, requires less maintenance, and is designed for modern solutions in the coming decades.
If you would like more information, you can contact Avinor at asfaltering.flesland@avinor.no