The SFO Runway 1R rehabilitation and Taxiway W project is a runway modernization program at San Francisco International Airport led by Granite Construction, where Runway 1 Right reopened on September 29, ahead of the October 2 target. The airport now puts total project cost at about $215 million, compared with Granite’s earlier $115 million construction value.
SFO Runway 1R Rehabilitation and Taxiway W Project Lifts Arrival Capacity
FAA funding covers $92.1 million of the total, and SFO expects 45 to 48 arrivals per hour with the runway back in service, up from about 40 in August. The closure from March 30 lifted average delays to about 20 minutes in spring, as covered in CRO’s report on the runway reopening, while completion of Taxiway W remains unconfirmed.
Project Overview
- Project Name: SFO Runway 1R rehabilitation and Taxiway W construction
- Location: San Francisco International Airport, California, United States
- Owner: San Francisco International Airport
- Project Value: About $215 million total project cost, including $92.1 million in FAA funding
- Contractor Value: About $115 million, according to Granite
- Contractor: Granite Construction, construction manager and general contractor, awarded in May 2025
- Scope: Runway repaving, lighting, drainage, signage, Runway Status Lights and a new Taxiway W between Taxiways A and L
- Status: Runway reopened September 29, 2026, with Taxiway W completion not confirmed
- Closure Period: March 30 to September 29, 2026
- Capacity: About 45 to 48 arrivals per hour expected
Project Team
- Owner and Operator: San Francisco International Airport
- CM/GC Contractor: Granite Construction
- Funding Partner and Regulator: Federal Aviation Administration
- Design Consultants: Not publicly disclosed
Reported 8th July 2025: As Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), Granite Construction is leading a $115 million program to rehabilitate Runway 1R–19L and build Taxiway W at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The project contributes to SFO’s multi-decade Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for renewing runways, taxiways, terminals and airfield systems.
The SFO Capital Improvement Program is a comprehensive roadmap guiding the airport’s ongoing transformation—modernizing critical infrastructure while supporting safety, sustainability, and operational excellence for decades to come.
As part of the future projects, demolition of the existing Taxiway F1 will be made way for the construction of the new Taxiway W extending between Taxiways A and L. The runway itself will be rebuilt in complete pavement rehabilitation, along with overall improvements in supporting systems like lighting, drainage, signs, and safety technologies like Runway Status Lights (RWSL). Striping, grooving, and sectionals will also come under the ambit to guarantee the enhanced runway conforms to today’s operating and safety standards.
Granite intends to produce around 185,000 tons of hot mix asphalt—namely P401 and P403 mixes—at its Santa Clara Asphalt plant to finish the paving portion of the work. Preconstruction will take place from June 2025 through January 2026, followed by significant construction from March to November 2026.
Brent Fogg, Granite’s Vice President of Regional Operations, stressed the importance of collaboration throughout the SFO Runway 1R-19L and Taxiway W Rehabilitation Project, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining a smooth workflow that minimizes disruptions to airport staff and travelers. “We are honored to be working in partnership with the terrific SFO team to modernize the airfield and maintain SFO’s tradition for being the Best Airport in North America,” he said.
Granite formally recognized the project in its second-quarter committed and awarded projects (CAP) report.
Granite Construction continues to expand its already significant national footprint with the start of a $138 million rehabilitation of Chicago’s historic Lake Street Bascule Bridge, a project awarded and funded by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and added to Granite’s first-quarter CAP.
SFO’s Capital Improvement Program
SFO’s Capital Improvement Program advances multiple projects alongside the Runway 1R–19L and Taxiway W development. These projects focus on terminals, airfield systems, and groundside structures. First, Terminal 3 West Modernization will transform the check-in lobby, Concourse F, and post-security connectors. The renovation will add self-bag-drop kiosks, “swing” gates, upgraded retail and dining space, and seismic reinforcements. Phase one will complete by fall 2027. Meanwhile, the Shoreline Protection Program undergoes environmental studies to protect eight miles of bayfront from higher tides. Construction will span 2025–2035.
Additionally, airfield improvements include Runway 1L–19R rehabilitation and Taxiways A and B reconstruction. These projects will finish by 2025 with a $190.8 million budget. Furthermore, groundside enhancements will proceed concurrently. These include a new Parking Access and Revenue Control System, roadway safety improvements, and a bus maintenance facility. The airport will fund these projects at approximately $232 million through FY 2035.
Read also: Skanska Breaks Ground on $180M Expansion Project at Redmond Municipal Airport
SFO Runway 1R-19L and Taxiway W Rehabilitation Project Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Project: Runway 1R-19L Rehabilitation and Taxiway W Construction
Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Contract Value: $115 million
Contractor: Granite Construction (CM/GC)
Program: Part of SFO’s multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Scope of Work
Runway 1R-19L Rehabilitation
Full pavement rehabilitation
Lighting system upgrades
Drainage improvements
Updated signage and safety technologies
Runway Status Lights (RWSL) installation
Striping, grooving, and sectional work
Taxiway W Construction
Demolition of existing Taxiway F1
Construction of new Taxiway W between Taxiways A and L
Timeline for the SFO Runway 1R-19L and Taxiway W Rehabilitation Project
Preconstruction Phase: June 2025 – January 2026
Major Construction: March 2026 – November 2026
Read also: Granite Construction Lands $26M Contract to Upgrade SFO Taxiway Infrastructure
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