Dallas Fort-Worth Airport Runway 17R-35L

Construction quality inspection services for a major runway rehabilitation project

The DFW Airport Runway 17R-35L Rehabilitation project represents a major investment in the long-term performance and capacity of one of the world’s busiest airports. The project included the demolition, reconstruction and enhancement of the runway along with associated taxiways located within the secure Airfield Operations Area. The work addressed aging airfield infrastructure, improved operational efficiency and supported DFW Airport’s continued growth.

Austin Bridge & Road led the project as the prime contractor, with ECS providing quality inspection services as an extension of the contractor’s quality control team. The client, Project Management Associates, coordinated closely with project stakeholders to support delivery goals.

Challenge: Active airfield constraints shape every decision

The rehabilitation effort involved approximately 300,000 cubic yards of recycled concrete and more than 310,000 tons of asphalt. The volume of materials, technical coordination and operational constraints reflect the complexity of maintaining and upgrading airfield infrastructure at a major international airport.

Construction occurred within a secure, operating airfield environment with strict access controls, limited work windows and continuous coordination with multiple stakeholders. Sequencing had to align with airfield operations while meeting milestone-driven schedules without disrupting ongoing flight activity or safety protocols.

Solution: Continuos inspection supports compliant construction

ECS served as a key member of the Contractor Quality Control Team, providing quality inspection services throughout the duration of construction. ECS’ scope included assessment of earthwork operations, lime-treated subgrade, cement-treated base, reinforcing steel, cast-in-place concrete pavement and associated structural elements.

Over the course of the project, ECS’ technical staff performed more than 235 tests to support the contractor’s quality control program. These quality inspections helped verify conformance with project requirements and supported efficient construction sequencing in a highly constrained airfield environment. By maintaining a consistent field presence, ECS helped the contractor address quality considerations promptly and keep work progressing.