Architect and Engineer: Jacobs Engineering, Boston; General Contractor: J.F. White Contracting Co.; Owner: MASSPORT

December 15, 2017 – Worcester, MA – NECA Boston contractor, JF White Contracting Co.’s Electrical Division, headquartered in Framingham, MA, is nearing completion of comprehensive electrical installations associated with the Worcester Regional Airport’s new taxiway and advanced Cat III instrument landing system project.

The project scope includes installation of new inpavement lighting systems (Taxiway Edge and Centerline lighting fixtures), Airfield Guidance Signs and electrical infrastructure upgrades, the communication ductbank and fiber optic backbone system, electrical vaults, and the Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System. The project also entailed installation of 12 new Approach Lighting Towers and modifcations to the existing Approach Lighting Tower, as well as installation of NAVAID Shelters, NAVAID equipment, and an emergency generator. The new light towers are tied into the electrical and navigation lines.

The $32 million CAT III system, paid for by both federal grants and funds from the Massachusetts Port Authority, provides for landings in low-visibility weather conditions which often impact Worcester Regional Airport. When conditions are below visibility requirements of 200 feet of ceiling height and less than 1,800-foot runway visibility, according to Massport, pilots must divert to other airports in the region. The new CAT III system will enable pilots to land planes with a ceiling visibility of 100 feet and a minimal visual range of 660 feet. ¹

J.F. White is managing the project with its crew of 11 IBEW Local 96 and Local 103 foremen, journeymen and apprentice electricians and 4 telecom technicians. Project Manager Thomas Pyle and Electrical Superintendent Mike McLaughlin are heading the project team’s operations.

Among the critical logistical challenges met by the IBEW Local 96/103 contractor are time-sensitive project scheduling due to FAA testing requirements, and providing notice as to aviation requirements and tester schedules. All work is being performed in a manner that eliminates any impact to commercial airline schedules and without disruption to airport operations.

The 18-month project, which commenced in June 2016, is on schedule for 2017 year-end completion.

On December 7, 2017, JetBlue announced it will expand service from Worcester Regional Airport to JFK International Airport in New York starting May 3, 2018.

¹Source: Worcester Telegram