Con Dig (04-Nov-25) California-based civil contractor and construction materials producer Granite Construction has been awarded a $70 million contract by the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) to construct a third full commercial runway at Tucson International Airport (TUS) — a major step in the airport’s $400 million Airfield Safety Enhancement (ASE) Program.
The project, known as Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) 4, marks the fourth major work package in TAA’s ongoing multi-year Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) initiative. Funding for the work will come from the Federal Airport Improvement Program, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and TAA.
The new runway is designed to expand operational capacity and boost airfield safety, while concurrent ASE projects continue upgrading the airport’s taxiways to align with FAA safety standards. Granite’s nearby Swan Plant, located less than five miles from the airport, will provide 77,000 tons of cement-treated base and 135,000 tons of concrete aggregates for the build.
Work on the new phase began in August 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Scott Stewart, program manager for WSP USA overseeing the ASE Program, praised Granite’s partnership approach throughout the project.
“Granite has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the Owner’s interests, often identifying unnecessary work and offering credits back as a gesture of partnership — something increasingly rare in today’s industry,” Stewart said. “Their willingness to collaborate and ‘do the right thing’ sets them apart.”
The latest contract builds on Granite’s previous work under GMP 3, which involved demolition of the General Aviation runway and key civil improvements, including earthwork, storm drain installation, and fencing.
“Granite has been the workhorse of the ASE Program since its inception,” said Zach Thompson, Granite’s area manager. “Our proximity to the airport and strong relationship with TAA have allowed us to deliver consistent, high-quality results. GMP 4 underscores our team’s dedication to safety, collaboration, and excellence.”