“There has been a lot of confusion among the public regarding the upcoming closure at the Jackson Hole Airport,” said Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty Associate Broker Ed Liebzeit, who also currently serves as Vice President of the Jackson Hole Airport Board—among numerous other appointments within the valley.
Those who have travelled in or out of JAC during the last several months are likely to have noticed that updates, repairs and prep work are already underway in various locations of the airport’s grounds in advance of the highly-publicized runway closure which will occur from April 11 through June 27.
The existing runway, which has been repaired four times since the 1970’s, is due for a full reconstruction. Contrary to some rumors, the runway is not being lengthened in the process and will maintain its current footprint. The project is anticipated to cost approximately $40M, and will be paid for exclusively via a combination of airport operations funds and federal grants.
Prep work for the project began during the summer of 2021. In an effort to increase efficiency for the project—and decrease some of the truck traffic necessitated by it—Jackson Hole Airport has invested in on-site asphalt and concrete facilities. As an additional incentive to ensure on-time completion of the project, the airport has guaranteed a $1M bonus to the contractor if the scope of work is accomplished by the June 27 deadline. Crews will be working twenty-four hours a day throughout the reconstruction project.
“It was essential to replace the runway, so we are using this time that the airport must be closed for significant improvements in both security screening and food service operations—all of which will provide a better experience for those using the airport…locals and visitors, alike.”
–Ed Liebzeit
Vice President, Jackson Hole Airport Board
Concurrent improvement projects at the airport are underway, including the expansion of the security checkpoint facilities which began in January of this year. When complete, the expansion will add an additional screening lane and will allow for future incorporation of next-generation security equipment. Other improvements to the terminal will include the construction of two additional gates, which are anticipated to open in the late fall.
The airport terminal will remain open during construction in order to facilitate rental car operations, and terminal food service operations via the recently-introduced “Marketplace” in the southwest corner of the baggage claim area. April will see the demolition and reconstruction of larger restaurant facilities located behind security to allow for additional seating for Jedediah’s restaurant, which has operated within the Airport since 2006.
