Airport Commission Discusses Plans for Work on Airport Road

A project to upgrade a portion of Airport Road was discussed Wednesday by the Effingham County Airport Commission.

The project will see the roadway, also known as East 1100th Avenue, rebuilt east off US Route 45 to the entrance to Hetzel's Overland Transport. The work is part of a project that also involves an extension of Thies Avenue at John Boos and Company. 

The work on Airport Road should begin later this month, either April 22 and April 29.

Airport Superintendent Greg Koester said those who live east of the project need to use North 1425th Street, or the extension of South 4th Street, during the construction. Hetzel's is going to use a temporary road north to Professional Park Avenue to move in and out of their location. Mette's Cabinets and Mette's Lighting will use their access off Route 45 during the work.

The project is expected to take two months to complete.

Airport Commissioners also signed the agreements related to the easterly extension of the east-west runway at the airport. The 900-foot extension project is expected to be completed by year's end along with an extension of the parallel taxiway to the end of the runway.

A project to construct new T-hangars could get underway this fall. Airport Commissioner Ken Wohltman said he's hopeful the project will lead to increased usage and increased revenue at the airport.

There was brief discussion of the City's start of work on a new comprehensive plan. Wohltman, who also serves on the City Plan Commission, said the Airport Commission will want to monitor how the land is targeted for development in the areas around the aiport.

Airport Manager Jerry Tate reported lightning damage to items inside the airport terminal, and also reported that fuel sales were up for March.

There was discussion concerning next Monday's eclipse. He said they've had about a half-dozen calls at the airport about the event. Tate indicated the Civil Air Patrol and IDOT would be flying to monitor traffic on Monday.