The Indy South Greenwood Airport (HFY) serves the business and general aviation needs of Greenwood, Johnson County and the Indianapolis metropolitan area in Indiana. Over the years, HFY’s runway length was extended to 5,000 feet to serve corporate operators, but the terminal apron remained the same size and was frequently congested. To better support its users, the Greenwood Board of Aviation Commissioners undertook an apron expansion program to increase the apron size by 50% and incorporate a deicing area with runoff capture.

‘AN EXCEPTIONAL PARTNER’“The apron expansion has transformed our ability to serve customers by providing the safe, efficient aircraft parking capacity needed to accommodate more operations and support continued growth. Hanson was an exceptional partner throughout the project, offering expert guidance, proactive communication and thoughtful coordination that helped minimize disruptions and deliver a solution that will benefit our airport and community for years to come.” – Rick Ferrill, airport manager, Indy South Greenwood Airport

Hanson managed the development program from the environmental assessment (EA), which included preparing preliminary hydraulic and hydrology modeling to support coordination with resource agency coordination through permitting for stream, wetland, floodway and land-disturbing impacts and through design and construction.

Hanson’s project leadership included advocating for HFY with the Federal Aviation Administration when the EA review took longer than anticipated, helping secure the initial design grant before the funding deadline. Throughout the project, Hanson coordinated with funding agencies to phase the project and maximize grant funding opportunities.

To expand the apron close to the terminal building, a portion of Pleasant Creek was enclosed. Construction over the creek presented environmental, funding and phasing challenges. Through careful planning, environmental mitigation, phased construction and 22 federal and state grants totaling $7.14 million, the project increased in terminal apron area by 50% and added deicing-fluid capture capability.

Four construction phases were necessary to align with available grant funding:

  • To meet permit commitments, the first construction phase included initial grading, drainage and installation of two underground stormwater detention systems.
  • The second phase enclosed a 322-foot section of Pleasant Creek with a three-sided structure and restored floodplain capacity.
  • The third phase included site grading in preparation for paving, along with vault and lighting improvements.
  • The final phase included concrete paving, marking, shoulder grading and staging area restoration.

Hanson coordinated project phasing with the airport to minimize disruption to operations throughout construction.