Contractors have been making the finishing touches on the application of an asphalt preservative at Alderney Airport, which is an investment of £120,000.
Rhinophalt was sprayed on all asphalt surfaces (circa 28,000 sqm) and is aimed at providing some additional protection of the existing runway, taxiway and apron at Alderney Airport.
The product (Rhinophalt) is widely used at civil and military aerodromes in the UK and wider afield at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport in Iceland, Lisbon (Portugal), RAF Brize Norton and RAF Marham. Its use is well tried and tested and the application comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The preservative penetrates into the top of the existing asphalt surface and seals in essential oils and resins, whilst at the same time improving the binding and waterproofing properties of the existing surface. The treated surface will become more resistant to abrasion, stone loss, water ingress, and the severe ageing effects of extreme temperatures.
The General Manager of Ports Colin Le Ray said:
“I would personally like to thank our contractors Allied Infrastructure and our own staff in Alderney who have worked long hours including many night shifts and have provided a good quality outcome. A small area of application still needs to be completed on the apron, but in essence, the work is complete. Contrary to some speculation, this project will result in amajor improvement in the surface quality of Alderney Airport’s runways, aprons, andtaxiway for aircraft and it represents a significant investment in the island’s transport infrastructure.”
