Rodney Schaaf: Vice Chair: Bowman | North Dakota Aeronautics Commission
Rodney Schaaf: Vice Chair: Bowman | North Dakota Aeronautics Commission
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC), in partnership with Mead & Hunt, Applied Pavement Technology, and Marr Arnold Planning, has published the findings of the 2024 Statewide Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Study. This study is conducted every three years to assess pavement conditions at 72 paved airports throughout North Dakota.
The PCI study serves as a critical resource for evaluating the condition of airport infrastructure and informing strategic investment decisions. North Dakota's airport system comprises 60.7 million square feet of pavement, with commercial service airports accounting for 35.2 million square feet and general aviation airports covering 25.5 million square feet.
"This report reflects the strong stewardship of our airport sponsors and the success of coordinated planning between local, state, and federal partners," stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. "Preserving our airport infrastructure is essential to supporting economic development, emergency response, and statewide connectivity."
Highlights from the 2024 Study include:
- System Performance is Holding Steady: The overall airport pavement network in North Dakota received a PCI rating of 77, consistent with the rating from the 2021 study, suggesting effective maintenance over time.
- Majority in Good or Excellent Condition: Of all airport pavements assessed, 43% were rated "excellent," while 23% were rated "good."
- Investment Needs Identified: An estimated $290 million will be required over the next five years to address all identified pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. This information will aid in prioritizing resources for cost-effective maintenance and repairs.
The NDAC utilizes PCI results for long-term planning, optimizing available funding, and guiding preservation strategies to ensure that public-use airports across North Dakota operate safely and efficiently—thereby supporting statewide mobility and economic vitality.
The complete 2024 PCI Statewide Executive Summary Report is available online.
For detailed pavement condition data and individual airport information, please visit the Airport Pavement Management System online portal.
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