Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is moving ahead with a modernization program to refurbish its North Runway with an investment of $133 million.

Originally opened in 1996, the North Runway will receive a series of upgrades to enhance operational resiliency. Work is set to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by fall.  Construction will be carried out during the existing nightly closure of the North Runway.

The program includes a complete asphalt overlay of the North Runway and connecting taxiways with supporting works to upgrade drainage systems as well as electrical and lighting equipment.

YVR has selected Kiewit to deliver paving and construction services, and Tristar Electric to deliver lighting and electrical works. DeltaTec, a Musqueam-owned and -operated business, was selected as a subcontractor to Tristar.

”This program includes important and necessary work for the long-term resilience of our North Runway, which serves millions of travellers and businesses each year. We are pleased to be working with Kiewit, Tristar and their subcontractors to carry out the program safely and on time,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at Vancouver International Airport.

The program will generate an additional 100,000 person hours of work during construction, resulting in new jobs and economic value for the region.

“Kiewit, along with Lafarge Canada, is excited to have been selected by YVR to provide construction services for its North Runway Program,” said Ryan Tones, venior vice president at Peter Kiewit Sons ULC. “Our collective long histories of building important infrastructure projects across British Columbia, in addition to our long histories of successful projects at YVR and airports across North America, will serve us well. We look forward to bringing our highly skilled staff and craft workforce and wide network of local suppliers and partners to help ensure we safely deliver this crucial project in the region.”