KALISPELL, Mont. (July 24, 2026) – Glacier Park International Airport (GPIA) has successfully completed the third of four planned weekly runway rehabilitation closures, marking another step forward in one of the airport’s most significant infrastructure investments.
The community has seen the runway reopen as scheduled each Friday morning. That reliability has been made possible by hundreds of skilled crews working around the clock in a carefully coordinated operation.
“This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when talented teams come together for a common goal,” Rob Ratkowski, GPIA Director, said. “Every week, dozens of crews, inspectors, engineers, surveyors, and support personnel have worked long hours to safely deliver a tremendous amount of work in a very short timeframe. We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to keeping this project on schedule.”
Behind every on-time runway reopening is an around-the-clock effort. During each 88-hour closure, multiple crews work simultaneously to complete the equivalent of more than two regular work weeks, making every minute count. Each contractor plays a critical role in maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency throughout the accelerated construction schedule.
GPIA thanks the organizations listed below for their support, which has truly made this milestone possible.
Engineering
- Jacobs – Construction management
- Alpine – Material testing
- CMG – Material testing
Survey and Quality Control
- Robert Peccia & Associates – Quality assurance
- KLJ – Quality control
- Produze – Grade control
- TopCon – Grade control
- Trimble – Grade control
Construction
- LHC – Milling and demolition, earthwork, grading, paving, drainage improvements, and concrete foundations
- TJ Gardner – Electrical, lighting, and communications
- DACO Construction – Electrical and communications
- Montana Materials & Construction (Helena Sand & Gravel) – Paving
- Ground Up – Asphalt milling
- Hi-Lite – Runway striping
These teams continue to operate around the clock during each weekly closure, carefully sequencing every phase of work so the runway can safely reopen to commercial air traffic on schedule.
With three of the four closures now complete, the project remains on track for its final construction closure beginning at 6 p.m. on July 27. Once complete, the rehabilitation will provide a smoother, more durable runway surface, upgraded lighting and communications infrastructure, and improved long-term reliability for airport operations.
Glacier Park International Airport extends its sincere appreciation to every contractor, subcontractor, engineer, inspector, survey crew, supplier, and support staff member whose expertise and dedication have made the project a success. The airport also thanks airline partners, tenants, and the traveling public for their continued patience and cooperation throughout construction.
For more information on the runway rehabilitation project, please visit iflyglacier.com/runway-rehabilitation.