The Whiteside County Airport has completed a concrete sidewalk project for the main entrance of the terminal building. The project had been delayed several times due to airport events, contractor availability, and, most notably, this year’s weather. Airport Board President Drew Wilkens stated that Airport Manager Darin Heffelfinger has been working diligently to coordinate the concrete entrance sidewalk replacement.
There had been growing concern over the sidewalk. It seemed to have sunk over the past several years, creating a two-to-three-inch step into the terminal and a potential tripping hazard for airport visitors.
Heffelfinger stated that during the old concrete removal, it was discovered that the original concrete had not been poured onto a gravel base. So underneath the concrete was pure mud. It was also discovered that there was no footing under the transition of the concrete sidewalk and building footing.
Work was performed to prevent future sinking, including a new footing and gravel base. During construction, airport visitors were required to walk around to the airside lobby entrance.
The main entrance was reopened Monday morning, January 27, 2020.
For more information about the Whiteside County Airport, visit www.whitesidecountyairport.org or call 815-626-3750.
