LONG BEACH, CA — A major overhaul of one of Long Beach Airport's taxiways is moving ahead after the City Council approved a construction contract worth up to $24.2 million Tuesday.
The council approved a $22,015,857 contract with Corona-based All American Asphalt for the airport's Taxiway F Realignment and Reconstruction Project, along with a 10% contingency of $2,201,586 that could bring the construction contract to $24,217,443.
The wider project is expected to cost about $30 million, but more than 90% of that will be federally funded. Long Beach Airport has been awarded a $27 million Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant, with the remaining costs coming from airport revenue rather than local tax dollars.
The work will reconstruct and realign Taxiway F between Taxiway D and Taxiway F5, including approximately 550,000 square feet of pavement, while also replacing or restoring markings, lighting, signs and drainage infrastructure.
Airport officials say the taxiway will be narrowed from 100 feet to 75 feet to make it easier for pilots to visually distinguish it from adjacent Runway 26L. Its centerline will also be shifted approximately 26 feet north, increasing separation between the taxiway and nearby leasehold aprons.
According to the city's construction solicitation, the work includes removing existing pavement, excavation and grading, recompacting soil, improving storm drains and installing new pavement markings, taxiway edge lighting and signs.
Despite the scale of the work, Long Beach Airport says commercial flights are not expected to be affected because most commercial aircraft do not use Taxiway F and other taxiways will remain available.
Construction will be phased to maintain limited access and minimize disruption to airport operations, while Runway 08R/26L is expected to remain fully operational. The FAA tower also does not anticipate changes in runway use as a result of the project, according to the airport.
The airport estimates construction will take about 13 months, not including approximately three months for mobilization. The city's procurement record lists a contract period running from Oct. 14, 2026, through Oct. 14, 2028, although those dates represent the contractual window rather than a 24-month estimate for active construction.
Tuesday's City Council action also increased appropriations in the Airport Fund by $29,878,726, offset by grant revenue and available airport funds.
The FAA's $27 million award accounts for the overwhelming majority of the project's estimated $30 million cost, while the airport says no local tax dollars will be used for the remaining share.
All American Asphalt emerged as the apparent low bidder after bids were opened June 10. The city subsequently completed its review of the bids and published its final tabulation June 23 before recommending that the council award the contract.
Beyond replacing aging pavement, airport officials say the realignment is intended to improve the taxiway's visibility from the air while strengthening infrastructure at an airport that supports what the city estimates is a $9 billion airport-related economy.
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