Guernsey Airport work 'could end in October'

Work on the apron is considered the "most challenging"

The old concrete will be crushed and reused in the base layers of the surface

Buses have been brought into the island to ferry passengers to and from planes

More stands, where planes park, should be reopened in the next six weeks

In the 1960s the concrete was laid to different depths

Work to upgrade Guernsey's airfield could be completed by October, if the dry weather continues, the manager of the £80m project has said.

Gerry Prickett said he was "delighted" by the progress of the work.

He said after delays caused by wet weather last year it would "certainly be finished by the end of the year".

Mr Prickett said once work on the airfield was complete the building compounds supporting the work would be returned to their original state.

This includes the sites housing a concrete batching plant opposite the airport entrance and the material store at Longue Hougue, where a temporary dock has already been removed.

The project, which started in February 2012, aims to prepare the airfield to last until 2040.

'Most challenging'

It includes repositioning the runway by 120m (394ft) to the west, moving the approach lights, installing new ground lighting and navigational aids and relaying all surfaces.

Mr Le Ray said the weather had helped the contractor make up time after rain delays last year

Longer grass safety areas are being created at both end of the runway and a new drainage system is being installed.

The apron, where planes stop to disembark and take on board passengers and cargo, is being re-laid in stages and currently it is the area right next to the terminal building that is being worked on.

Airport director Colin Le Ray said: "This phase on the apron was always recognised as the most challenging.

"The fact that the weather is glorious and has been really since Easter has really helped the contractor to get ahead to make up some of that time we lost last summer.

'Legacy issues'

"More importantly for us to get through these phases in really good time and if we can keep disruption to a minimum that's a win, win for us as well."

Buses have been leased to ferry people to and from planes while the area next to the airport terminal is out of use.

Mr Le Ray said: "Within six weeks we hope to be opening a couple more stands and that should certainly take the pressure off."

He said of the work: "The quality of the concrete laid in the 60s varies really... one of the legacy issues we're trying to address with this project is to address those differences in levels."

Mr Le Ray said by levelling out the area it would save on the amount of concrete that is needed.