Canadian Natural Resources Limited – Horizon Aerodrome Design Build, E Construction

In 2005, E Construction was one of three firms invited to submit a proposal to design, build, manage and construct a new aerodrome for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) for their Horizon Oil Sands Project, located about 75km northwest of Fort McMurray, Alberta. The project was unique to E Construction as it was the largest design build project ever sought after by the group. After submitted proposals were reviewed by CNRL, E Construction was selected to carry out the project. Construction for the project began in May of 2005 for a duration of roughly 4 months and was completed on September 1, 2005 at a cost of $10 million dollars.

The project was a complete success and was CNRL’s first major project to be completed on schedule and under budget.

Scope

The aerodrome consisted of an 1,800m (6,000 ft) x 45m (150 ft) paved runway, complete with connecting taxiway and apron sized to accommodate two (2) Boeing 737-600 series aircraft.

The scope of work consisted of

  • Preliminary geotechnical and topographical survey
  • Detailed Design
  • 250,000 cubic meters of Earth Grading
  • Installation of runway drainage system
  • Installation of airfield lighting and emergency power unit
  • Manufacture and installation of modular air terminal building
  • 600mm of 75mm Granular Sub Base = 165,000 tonnes 
  • 300mm of 20mm Granular Base Course = 250,000 tonnes
  • 100mm of 12.5mm Asphalt Concrete Pavement = 28,000 tonnes

Facilities constructed for this project included

  • paved runway, taxiway and aprons
  • wildlife management fencing
  • gravel parking lot
  • runway, taxiway and apron edge lighting
  • non-precision approach lighting
  • approach light indicators systems (PAPI’s), and illuminated visual aids, electrical service including transformer
  • emergency power for airfield lighting and critical groundside services 
  • modular terminal building and all amenities to accommodate processing of up to 130 passengers as well as aerodrome administrative and flight services functions
  • manual weather observation equipment as required for a non-precision GPS AIP, complete with observer training, VHF radio communication system

Learn more about E Construction by visiting their website.