U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) was joined by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones and a cast of other dignitaries at a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of University of Illinois’ Willard Airport’s midfield taxiway realignment project. This federally funded project is part of a broader effort by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure taxiways nationwide meet the latest safety standards.
The project realigns a taxiway that connects the airline terminal, FlightStar, and the Parkland College Institute of Aviation with two of the Airport’s runways. The taxiway had what inspectors called, “non-standard geometry.” In other words, it connected to the runways in spots that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined could be confusing for pilots.
“By improving airport infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability,” said Senator Durbin. “This federal funding for upgrades to the Willard Airport taxiway will enhance the overall safety and travel experience for passengers.”
The project included full taxiway nomenclature updates throughout the airfield to align with FAA standards and included the installation of a new lighted wind cone at the midfield for use by pilots.
The $10.4 million project was funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and the University of Illinois – Willard Airport.
