YVR North Runway Modernization Project
Richmond, British Columbia
Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) North Runway, originally built in the 1990s, underwent a modernization program to ensure the long-term safety, resilience and performance of this essential infrastructure. Vancouver Airport Authority selected Peter Kiewit Sons ULC to deliver the upgrades for this complex project.
The North Runway Program included:
- Replacement of 440 cast-in-place concrete panels
- Installation of a 210-millimeter-thick asphalt overlay across the 9,941-foot runway and connecting taxiways
- Drainage system improvements to enhance runway performance and durability
- Diamond grinding of the existing runway surface prior to paving
- Electrical upgrades and installation of new LED lighting along the runway edge
From April through October 2025, crews worked during nightly runway closures, completing critical paving, concrete replacement and infrastructure improvements within tight eight-hour shifts. This coordinated effort allowed the North Runway to remain operational for daytime flights, minimizing disruption to airport operations and travelers.
Completed on time with the support of YVR and partners, the successful delivery of the North Runway Modernization Program will ensure YVR’s runways continue to serve as a vital gateway for decades to come.