Posted On: June 3, 2024
A major electrical upgrade project designed to improve the safety and sustainability of the primary runway at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) has been completed.
The 27-day project, completed three days ahead of schedule, involved replacing existing incandescent lights, with 121 LED runway edge lights and 17 in-pavement LED runway edge lights. In addition to the safety benefits of brighter lighting, LED bulbs use between 75 percent and 90 percent less energy and have a longer life expectancy than incandescent or quartz lights. The project also replaced 82,000 feet of wiring (15.5 miles!) that provides power to the edge lights. This upgrade will vastly enhance airfield safety and reliability while concurrently reducing the required labor hours to maintain the current system.
During the project, the main runway, 7L/25R was closed; for two weeks, both runways were closed from midnight to 5 a.m.
“We know any construction project can impact the commercial carriers and the flight schools, but fortunately, this project had a relatively short construction period and will have long-lasting positive impacts for airport safety,” said Airport Director Karen Feaster.
“This upgrade will vastly enhance airfield safety and reliability while concurrently reducing the required labor hours to maintain the current system,” said Feaster.
Early in the project, the contractor completed an energy savings study for converting the new fixtures from incandescent to LED. The findings showed:
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- After 15 years, the total estimated reduction of emissions is 375 metric tons of CO2, or about one year worth of emissions from 72 vehicles or 31 to 45 homes.
- Life expectancy of each LED light is approximately 14 years, which results in less labor hours to replace.
The FAA is funding 90 percent of the project, with the airport and Florida Department of Transportation splitting the remaining 10 percent.
For more information, contact Joanne Magley, Airport Manager – Air Service/Marketing/Customer Experience, at 386-248-8030, ext. 18309.