Airport Master Plan 2012 - City of Waterville

As stated in the facility requirements, the present taxiway configuration at WVL is generally adequate to
serve the present level of operational activity at the Airport. Runway 5-23 is served by a full-length
parallel taxiway which allows for safe and efficient aircraft movement to and from Runway 5-23. The
infrequent use of Runway 14-32 and the potential closure of Runway 14-32 in the future does not support
a parallel taxiway alternative to Runway 14-32. However, there are a number of taxiway alternatives that
could provide the Airport with more direct routes to airport facilities such as: The current Terminal Area,
Aircraft Tie-Down Areas, Fueling Facilities, and Hangar Facilities.
Regarding the present Taxiway configuration at WVL, if an aircraft is taxiing north on Taxiway „A”, with
the current Hangar Area or the Terminal Facility Area as their destination, a nearly 135 degree left-hand
turn onto taxiway “D” is required. From a planning and operational perspective, this current situation
appears to be the most significant issue associated with the Airport‟s taxiway system.
In order to provide the most direct routes as possible, to and from the Terminal area, as well as potential
taxiways associated with the closure of Runway 14-32, Taxiway Alternatives include:
T0: No-Build (Status Quo)
T1a: Construct New Taxiway “E” that connects Taxiway “D” to Taxiway “A”
See Figure T1a.
T1b: Construct New Taxiway “E” that connects Taxiway “D” to Taxiway “A”
See Figure T1b.
T1c: Construct an extension of Taxiway “B” that connects it to Taxiway “D”
See Figure T1c.
T2: Should Runway 14-32 close permanently, use a portion of Runway 14-32 to create an
additional stub taxiway between taxiways “B” and “C”.
See Figure T2.
T0: No Build (Status Quo)
The no-build scenario will result in no enhancements to the current taxiway system. Aircraft travelling
north on Taxiway “A” will continue to be required to make a sharp left turn should their destination be
the current Terminal Area or the facilities adjacent to Taxiway “D”.
T1a: Construct New Taxiway “E”
Alternative T1a would eliminate the need for pilots exiting Runway 5-23 via Taxiway “B” to
make the 135 degree turn onto Taxiway “D” that leads to the terminal area. Existing aircraft
movements to or from the Runway 5 end to the terminal hangar area are inefficient and would be
significantly improved with constructing a Taxiway “E”. The T1a alternative is most efficient
should the Airport decide to construct Phase II of the Terminal Apron. As Figure T1a shows, this
location of Taxiway “E” would provide for direct access to the Phase II Terminal Apron, however
it does restrict future development along TW “D”.
Since the Phase II Terminal Apron has already been designed to support Gulfstream type aircraft,
constructing Taxiway “E” in this location would provide transient and corporate jet aircraft with
convenient direct access to the Phase II parking area.
Placing Taxiway “E” in this location would result in a 390 foot long taxiway.
The City of Waterville Maine
Alternatives Analysis – Page 4-4
Airport Solutions Group, LLC & The Louis Berger Group, Inc. December 2011