Smyrna Airport – Runway 1/19 Grand Opening

SMYRNA, Tenn. – After 13 months of reconstruction, Runway 1/19 at Smyrna Airport is now open for air traffic, making Smyrna Airport a two-runway airport once again. The Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority celebrated the completion of the project with a grand opening ceremony held on Friday, June 27th.

“The reconstruction of Runway 1/19 is a significant accomplishment as it is the first time the runway has ever been fully reconstructed since its original construction in the early 1940s for Sewart Air Force Base,” said Evan Lester, Executive Director of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. “Smyrna Airport is the busiest General Aviation airport and fourth busiest airport in the State of Tennessee with more than 100,000 operations annually. Runway 1/19 plays a critical role in the airport’s dual runway system as it increases the safety and efficiency of the airport for its users and allows us to build upon the airport’s annual $232 million economic impact to the community.”  

The scope of this runway reconstruction project included reconstructing the 5,546-foot runway asphalt surface, regrading the runway safety areas, relocating two airport perimeter roads, and replacing the runway’s existing lighting system with a new, energy efficient LED lighting system. All of this work was successfully completed while also utilizing sustainable practices by repurposing the existing asphalt to form the foundation for the new asphalt surface. This eco-friendly approach not only minimized waste but also contributed to environmental conservation efforts.

“The reconstruction of Runway 1/19 is one of the many exciting projects, enhancements, and improvements planned for in the approved Airport Master Plan, which is a comprehensive, 15 to 20-year overall blueprint for Smyrna Airport,” said Mike Woods, Chairman of the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. “Each project plays a significant role in achieving our mission of being a world-class air facility serving our community, region, aviation, business and industrial base.”

This runway reconstruction project totaled approximately $13 million and was funded by the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Aeronautics Division, and the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority. 

The Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority would like to thank Rutherford County, Town of Smyrna, State of Tennessee, TDOT Aeronautics Division, AtkinsRéalis, Vulcan Materials Company, and the project’s subcontractors, all of whom were instrumental in the success of this project.