Ajax in Action


  • DTW Runway 3L/21R and Centralized Deicing Facility

    What We Did


    Runway 3L/21R is one of two primary departure runways located adjacent to both the North and McNamara Terminals at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Due to the high volumes of outbound traffic in Detroit, the reconstruction of Runway 3L/21R and its Associated Taxiways was of utmost importance for Wayne County Airport Authority. Tight time restrictions and phasing plans were implemented to ensure the least amount of impact to the Airport Authorities tenants. Complementing the runway project was the new Centralized Deicing Facility that allowed airlines to decrease taxiing times to and from the new runway.

    Between the two, Ajax placed 584,000 square yards of 17” P-501 concrete while utilizing 37.5' and 40' paving lanes, along with utilizing two double drum Erie Strayer batch plants. Despite the two-year project being built during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Ajax and the A-Team of essential workers got the work done in 18 work phases. Awards for the project included a Gold from ACPA for the Commercial Service & Military Airports category, and Envision Gold from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure..


    Project Highlights:

    • 584,000 square yards of 17” Concrete Pavement
    • 474,000 tons of Hot Mix Asphalt
    • Recipient of the ACPA Excellence in Commercial Service & Military Airports Gold Award Winner and Envision Gold from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport Terminal Reconstruction

    What We Did


    With prime contractor Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc, Ajax Paving is laying 16” Portland Concrete Cement Pavement on CTB for FAA Specifications.


    Project Highlights:

    • 16” PCCP on CTB
    • 8” PCCP on open graded
    • 142,000 total syd of 16” PCCP
    • 11,000 total syd of 8” PCCP
  • Coleman A. Young Airport

    What We Did


    Coleman A. Young Airport is primarily used for personal aircraft, business planes, and helicopters. The Taxiway A reconstruction project proved especially challenging because the airport had to remain open during the project to accommodate air traffic for high-profile events in Detroit, such as Monday Night Football and MLB playoff games.

    We completed the project in multiple phases. The project required the most advanced GPS grade control for both grading and paving operations on the existing deep-strength asphalt taxiway (measuring between 10 and 14 inches of asphalt). Four inches of asphalt was milled off, with the remaining asphalt pulverized, reshaped, and compacted back to 100 percent density. The project involved placing 4 inches of asphalt in two lifts, totaling approximately 25,000 tons.


    Project Highlights:

    • 25,000 tons of asphalt placed
    • GPS grade control for grading and paving
    • National Asphalt Pavement Association Award of Merit
  • Grosse Ile Municipal Airport: Runway 4-22 Reconstruction

    What We Did


    This project reconstructed Runway 4-22 at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport. This included removal of the existing composite pavement on the 4,850-foot runway, drainage improvements, aggregate base installation, HMA P-401 installation, lighting/electrical upgrades, and restoration. The P-401 mixture was designed for aircraft with gross weights of less than 60,000 pounds or tire pressures less than 100 psi. A total of 11,210 tons of P-401 was installed (4 inches of P-401 in two 2-inch thick courses) on the 75-foot wide runway. The same mix design was used for both courses.

    Stringent PWL parameters were a part of the specification that measured mat density, joint density air voids, stability, and flow. Continual focus and dedication to quality in all aspects of the project enabled the team to achieve exceptional results. Ajax delivered a product of the highest quality that met or exceeded all project requirements.


    Project Highlights:

    • P-401 mixture was designed for aircraft runways
    • 11,210 tons of P-401 installed
    • All project requirements met or exceeded
  • DTW Runway 4L/22R and Associated Taxiways

    What We Did


    Due to its importance to air traffic in southeastern Michigan, the reconstruction of Runway 4L/22R at Detroit Metro Airport was the greatest challenge facing the Wayne County Airport Authority in recent years. The project would require nearly 450,000 square yards of 18.5-inch PCCP, making it the largest U.S. airport concrete pavement project constructed of 2016.

    Runway 4L/22R is 10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide. Its high use required the Airport Authority to "Fast Track" the design and construction. Typically, it is used for aircraft arrivals and can accommodate operations in low-visibility conditions, making it critical to the airport's operational efficiency and business continuity. The project also involved the reconstruction of the associated taxiway system, providing a safe connection for aircraft from the runway to the passenger terminals.


    Project Highlights:

    • 450,000 square yards of 18.5-inch PCCP
    • 10,000 feet long, 150 wide runway
    • “Fast Track” design and construction

Airport Construction Company with Full Capabilities


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AIRPORT ACES

Our highly-skilled crews, project managers, and engineers offer unmatched runway planning and construction knowledge and expertise.

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HIGH-SPEC CONCRETE

Advanced mobile batch concrete plants are calibrated to each project's unique specifications and design needs.

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SAFETY FIRST

Ajax Paving Industries is ranked among the top contractors in the nation for its exemplary safety record.

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SKY-HIGH PRAISE

We have completed award-winning airport runway reconstruction projects in Michigan, Florida, and across the U.S.

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LEADING TECHNOLOGY

Ajax Paving utilizes stringless technology and other advanced equipment on every job to create efficiency and save time.

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PEERLESS EQUIPMENT

To meet project specs, our fleet includes state-of-the-art GPS grade control for automated grading and paving processes.

Industry Recognitions for Airport Construction in Michigan


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  • Grosse Isle Municipal Airport, Runway 4-22 Reconstruction, Michigan, Award of Excellence
  • Runway 4L/22R & Associated Taxiways, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Romulus, MI, Award of Merit
  • MDOT Oakland Troy Airport Rehabilitate Runway 9-27, Award of Merit
  • MDOT Coleman A. Young Airport Rehabilitate Parallel Taxiway A, Award of Merit
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  • Grosse Isle Municipal Airport: Runway 4-22 Reconstruction
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  • Runway 4L/22R and Associated Taxiways, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Romulus, MI Wayne County
  • WCAA Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Runway 4-22 Reconstruction, ACPA Award of Excellence

FAQs about Ajax Paving's Airport Runway
and Taxiway Projects in Michigan

Ajax Paving Industries is a leader in airport runway and taxiway construction, known for meeting the highest standards of safety and quality. Below are some frequently asked questions about our major projects and the unique challenges we have overcome to ensure operational efficiency and excellence.

What are some of the major airport runway projects completed by Ajax Paving in Michigan?

Ajax Paving has completed several significant airport runway projects in Michigan, including:

  • Reconstruction of Runway 4L/22R and associated taxiways at Detroit Metro Airport.
  • Reconstruction of Runway 3L/21R and the construction of a Centralized Deicing Facility at Detroit Metro Airport.
  • Terminal reconstruction at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
  • Taxiway A reconstruction at Coleman A. Young Airport.
  • Runway 4-22 reconstruction at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport.

What unique challenges did Ajax Paving face during the reconstruction of Runway 4L/22R at Detroit Metro Airport?

The reconstruction of Runway 4L/22R at Detroit Metro Airport was challenging due to its high use and importance to air traffic in southeastern Michigan. The project required 450,000 square yards of 18.5-inch PCCP, making it the largest U.S. airport concrete pavement project in 2016. The Airport Authority had to "Fast Track" the design and construction to minimize operational disruptions, as the runway is critical for aircraft arrivals and operations in low-visibility conditions.

How did Ajax Paving handle the high volumes of outbound traffic during the reconstruction of Runway 3L/21R at Detroit Metro Airport?

Ajax Paving managed the high volumes of outbound traffic by implementing tight time restrictions and phasing plans to minimize the impact on airport operations. The project involved placing 584,000 square yards of 17" P-501 concrete and constructing a new Centralized Deicing Facility to decrease taxiing times. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project was completed in 18 work phases.

What safety standards does Ajax Paving adhere to in its airport runway projects?

Ajax Paving adheres to the highest specifications and safety standards as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company is ranked among the top contractors in the nation for its exemplary safety record. Ajax uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including advanced mobile batch concrete plants and GPS grade control for automated grading and paving processes, to ensure safety and efficiency.

What awards has Ajax Paving received for its airport construction projects?

Ajax Paving has received numerous awards for its airport construction projects, including:

  • ACPA Excellence in Commercial Service & Military Airports Gold Award and Envision Gold from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure for the reconstruction of Runway 3L/21R at Detroit Metro Airport.
  • National Asphalt Pavement Association Award of Merit for the Taxiway A reconstruction at Coleman A. Young Airport.
  • Award of Excellence for the Runway 4-22 reconstruction at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport.
  • Award of Merit for the rehabilitation of Runway 9-27 at MDOT Oakland Troy Airport and the parallel taxiway at Coleman A. Young Airport.
Ajax Is Ready to Fly

Tight timeframes. Specialized design. Demanding safety requirements. Repaving and reconstructing airport runways is one of the most challenging types of construction. Ajax Paving is one of the few contractors in the U.S. with the expertise and experience to handle these technically-sophisticated jobs.

Over the last 25 years, Ajax has placed more than 4.5 million cubic yards of concrete runways. Our expert crews, a fleet of advanced equipment, and precise concrete mix technology enable us to meet unique complexities, specifications, and qualifications required by aviation projects and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Contact Ajax Today