Construction Marking and Lighting
Hazzard barricades at night between lights
X marker to signify closed runway
Safety Barricade
Hazard markings
Work zones, haul routes and areas closed to aircraft operation must be clearly marked. Advisory Circular 150/5340-1 STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT MARKINGS and Advisory Circular 150/5370-2E OPERATIONAL SAFETY ON AIRPORTS DURING CONSTRUCTION contain guidance on marking and lighting standards.
Closed Runways and Taxiways
It is important to unambiguously identify closed runways and taxiways to prevent them from being used by aircraft. While it may seem obvious from the work zone that a runway or taxiway is closed, pilots landing, taking off are engaged in several tasks at once including operating the aircraft, talking with the air traffic control tower (ATCT) and looking for other aircraft; the sight of construction vehicles on an otherwise operational surface may not be immediately interpreted as a closed area.
Temporarily Closed Runways should be marked with a large “X” (see Image). This marking can either be a yellow “X” placed on the ground for a raised lighted “X” placed at the end of the runway. The raised, lighted “X” is much preferred. Advisory Circular 150/5340-1 STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT MARKINGS contains details of marking color, size and location. Contractors must supply these “X” markings. Since they are unusual and not used for roadways, contractors and sign companies should allow time to buy or make these signs; they may not be obtainable at the last minute.
Temporarily closed taxiways are typically treated and marked as hazard areas (see Image). There are no specific standards on hazard markings except that they must restrict access and make hazards obvious to pilots, vehicle drivers and other personnel. Barricades, traffic cones and flashers are often used. They can also be marked with a yellow “X” conforming to the dimensions listed in Advisory Circular 150/5340-1 STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT MARKINGS.
Hazard Marking and Lighting
Advisory Circular 150/5370-2E, OPERATIONAL SAFETY ON AIRPORTS DURING CONSTRUCTION provides guidance on color, size and markings for hazard marking and lighting. Of note, barricades near or in runway or taxiway safety areas must not damage aircraft and as such must be low to the ground (see Image), easily collapsible, and weighted or attached to prevent movement from prop wash, jet blast, wing vortex or wind. Hazard markings must also be “frangible” meaning that they must be breakable when hit by an aircraft so as to limit damage to the aircraft (see Image). This excludes the use of concrete barriers (Jersey barriers or K-rails), metal drums and railroad ties.
Construction Haul Routes
Construction haul routes should be clearly delineated in the safety plan and should be clearly marked to prevent disorientation and inadvertent entry into aircraft movement areas. This can involve lights and hazard markings (see Image). If nighttime operations are anticipated, consider using reflective barricades, cones or lights.
