Projects

YVR North RESA 26R

In 2018, BEL Contracting successfully completed the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) project for the Vancouver Airport Authority at YVR’s Sea Island location. The RESA project was part of a 3-year expansion plan and was critical for facilitating the safe landing and takeoff of the largest aircraft in operation at YVR. The project was a demonstration of BEL Contracting’s expertise in managing complex earthworks and aviation-specific construction activities, as they handled the excavation of approximately 60,000 m3 of native material and placed roughly 120,000 MT of gravel base and preload.

Key Project Information

  • Project Type:
    Heavy Civil
  • Budget:
    $28M
  • Timeline:
    Completed December 2018
  • Client:
    YVR Airport Authority
  • Location:
    Richmond, BC

Scope of Work

BEL Contracting’s role in the project spanned a range of activities:

  • Conducting major earthwork operations, BEL executed the large-scale excavation and placement of gravel to fortify the area. Special techniques were used to manage the low-lying location’s water levels effectively, enabling seamless construction.
  • The runway’s active taxiway surfaces were widened during scheduled nightly closures. This involved removing old materials and installing new compacted base gravels and drainage systems.
  • BEL successfully coordinated and installed new airfield lighting, adhering to stringent safety protocols and schedules to minimize disruption to ongoing airport operations.
  • A focus on environmental sustainability was maintained throughout, particularly given the project’s proximity to the Fraser River. Measures were taken to ensure that no environmental guidelines were breached.
  • The project required intricate coordination with YVR’s various subcontractors and operational teams. This was managed effectively through daily update and coordination meetings, ensuring everyone was aligned on construction progress and safety protocols.

The RESA project served as a testament to BEL Contracting’s capability to manage multifaceted, safety-critical construction projects. Through their careful planning and execution, BEL helped elevate the standards for airport construction while ensuring the project was completed within the set timeframe and environmental guidelines.