Guernsey Airport's runway project engineer appointed

The repair work is expected to cost £81m

An engineer has been appointed to oversee the resurfacing of the runway at Guernsey Airport.

Colin Le Ray, airport director, said the move followed lessons learned from other States projects.

He said the role would bring an "independent eye" that ensured what happened on the ground was done in the most efficient manner.

The repair work to the runway and taxiways, which is expected to cost £81m, is due to start in 2011.

Mr Le Ray said: "Experiences from other projects has demonstrated the importance of having the relevant expertise to oversee the construction on behalf of the States."

The job is initially part-time with a wage of £0.5m over four years.

The airport authorities had previously said although the majority of the work would be carried out overnight, the runway may have to close for up to eight days during the work.

Mr Le Ray said the earliest that any details would be released on those possible airport closures would be in October.

Four contractors have been shortlisted for the work and they are due to submit their bids in October.