The project involves the installation of an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at both ends of Runway 5-23. The objective of the EMAS is to arrest an aircraft that enters the bed at up to 70 knots. The EMAS bed consists of cellular concrete that crushes as an aircraft enters, thus decelerating the aircraft. The project also includes the installation of a gallery infiltration system adjacent to Taxiway “D” and Taxiway “E”, rehabilitation of Taxiway “D” and the creation of a wetland mitigation site adjacent to the Poquonock River. 

The Wetland Creation Site shall consist of approx. 3.5 acres of wetland creation, including grading to provide open water channels/mudflats, low marshes and planting various wetland vegetation.

The project is organized into six phases; Phase 1 is for Mobilization, Phase 2 is for the construction of the EMAS Beds (Sites 1 and 2) and the Intersection of Taxiway “D” East and Runway 5-23. (Runway 5-23 will be closed for 30 days from September 12 to October 12, 2011), Phase 3 is for Installation of the EMAS (Sites 1 and 2) and Taxiway “D” East, Phase 4 is for the Tidal Wetland Creation, Phase 5 is construction of Leaching Galleries and Phase 6 is Demobilization.

DOT Project No. 58-303/58-319 was awarded on March 30, 2011 to Tilcon Connecticut, Inc. of New Britain, CT at a cost of $2,788,068.25 and is scheduled to be completed in June 2012.