Airfield Lighting and Navigational Aid Upgrades

A comprehensive overhaul of the owner-maintained airfield lighting and navigational aid systems at Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI) improved the safety, efficiency and reliability of airport operations. Much of the existing lighting infrastructure was over 20 years old, with maintenance becoming costly and an increasing burden on airport operations personnel.

To address these challenges, the project replaced all runway and taxiway lighting on Runways 17/35 and 13/31 and associated taxiways with modern, energy-efficient LED systems. New airfield guidance signs were installed to enhance visibility and navigation, with additional upgrades including a new LED Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI-4L) on Runway 35 and a new LED rotating beacon with a tip-down pole. Benesch delivered all services, from design through construction, using in-house staff.

The project also modernized critical electrical infrastructure within the air traffic control tower and electrical vault. All regulators were replaced and reorganized using L-829 current monitoring constant current regulators, and the airport’s aging lighting control system was upgraded with a new L-821 “mimic” system, allowing for more reliable and flexible control of airfield lighting from both locations.

Given the airport’s active commercial and general aviation operations, construction was strategically phased to maintain full functionality throughout the project. The work was completed in six major phases with additional sub-phases, allowing improvements to be delivered while minimizing disruption to daily operations.

With these upgrades, GRI now operates with a modernized airfield lighting system that enhances visibility, improves maintenance efficiency and supports long-term reliability for airport staff, pilots and passengers.