Granite has been selected Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) on major airfield modernization at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), to lead a $115 million project to rehabilitation of Runway 1R-19L and construction of a new Taxiway W. The contract is part of SFO’s multi-billion-dollar Capital Improvement Program (CIP) initiatives, a multi-decade program to modernize key aspects of the airport’s infrastructure, from terminals to airfield systems.
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.
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.
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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