Located on the traditional territory of Musqueam, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is Canada’s second busiest airport, serving 26.9 million passengers and 365,000 tonnes of cargo. YVR operates a dual North and South runway system. The North Runway, originally designed by Associated Engineering (Associated) and commissioned in 1996, plays a critical role in connecting B.C. to the world. In 2023, the YVR North Runway Program was undertaken to extend its service life, improve structural capacity and energy efficiency, and enhance operational resilience.

Associated led the planning, engineering and construction strategy, detailed design, multi-disciplinary coordination, construction administration, and commissioning for the 3,030-metre runway and the 11 connecting taxiways. The program included a high-performance asphalt overlay, drainage system upgrades, replacement of aging electrical infrastructure, regrading of infield areas, and restoration of the airfield perimeter area with native vegetation. To improve the visual clarity of the airfield, runway edge lights and approach lighting were transitioned from halogen to an energy-efficient LED system, and pavement markings were refreshed.

Rather than closing the runway and disrupting airport operations, YVR and Associated took on a more demanding challenge, constructing works over a six-month period during nightly 8-hour closure windows, with mandatory daily 07:00 runway reopening. This repeatable nightly cycle approach required exact coordination between airport operations, NAV Canada, contractors, and the engineering team.

Through strong engagement, Musqueam provided cultural guidance, supported Indigenous employment, and ensured the project aligned with shared stewardship principles.

The result is a modernized, resilient airfield asset that strengthens YVR’s role as a global aviation hub while establishing a benchmark for phased airfield infrastructural renewal at an active international airport.

The project’s success was driven by a highly coordinated, safety-first approach that worked around the operational realities of an active airport. Associated Engineering developed a phased construction strategy with tightly controlled closures from 22:00 to 06:00. Construction proceeded in 150-metre segments along the 3,030-metre length of the runway, repeated 4 times to achieve a 210-millimetre asphalt depth. Advanced paving technologies were employed, including mmGPS paver control for surface precision and thermal imaging for compaction monitoring.

The design incorporated meticulous staging plans for milling, paving, compaction, lighting fixtures reinstatement, and debris clearance to ensure safe daily reopening. The constantly changing temporary slope profiles were analyzed using ProFAA software to evaluate aircraft acceleration forces and confirm compliance with aviation standards. Ramp tolerances were communicated to the contractor and validated daily.

Operating under a “Zero-Failure Mandate”, the team implemented contingency protocols, backup equipment strategies, and daily go/no-go reviews. Associated served as the compliance authority and technical validator, confirming that pavement smoothness, lighting functionality, debris clearance, and safety criteria were met before reopening.

Together, these strategies enabled the project to be delivered safely, on time, and without disrupting airport operations, a testament to teamwork, innovation, and precision execution.

Completed in only six months without disrupting scheduled flights, the Program modernized the North Runway, providing energy‑efficient LED lighting, improved drainage, renewed electrical systems, and a durable pavement capable of handling future heavier aircraft. The upgrades enhance safety and reduce maintenance, supporting YVR’s future growth.
Through a collaborative approach, cultural respect, and shared decision‑making, the project deepens YVR’s partnership with the Musqueam Nation.