Construction News

Through a five-year Capital Improvement Plan updated annually, along with numerous grants from federal and state agencies, the Johnson County Airport Commission is able to continue improvements on our airports, business park, water infrastructure and short line railroad. Projects are continually making progress and the most impactful projects are listed below.

Current Projects

  • Design work has currently begun for a new and relocated Air Traffic Control Tower at New Century AirCenter.
  • The primary runway 18-36 at New Century AirCenter is currently in the design phase for a complete reconstruction in coming years.
  • The electrical vault is currently scheduled to be replaced at New Century AirCenter with the new design currently underway.  This will bring the unit into an enclosed space for safety and security of the system.
  • The Master Plans of both New Century AirCenter (IXD) and Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) are currently being updated.
  • Design engineering of the East-4 apron at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) is underway.
  • Phases I, II, and III, along with the Aviation North phase of the east side development project are underway or mostly completed, which includes infrastructure to support current and future development projects.

Past Projects

  • KDOT Rail Grant Maintenance Project was originally started in 2020 with awards received in each subsequent year. These awards allowed for replacement of several sections of legacy rail, replacement turnouts, crossings, ties, and ballasts, drastically increasing the capability and safety of the Johnson County shortline rail system.
  • Taxiway K at New Century AirCenter (IXD) was completely rebuilt with taxiway L receiving a seal coat in 2025.
  • Large sections of fencing were installed at both airports to further enforce safety and prevent incursions.
  • T-Hangars K, L, M, & N at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) were rebuilt in 2024 and 2025.
  • Backup generators for the water distribution system's main pumphouse were installed in late 2024.
  • Seal coat of runway 4-22 at New Century AirCenter (IXD) was completed in 2024.
  • The electrical vault at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) was completely rebuilt and enclosed in 2024.
  • Taxiway F at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) was resurfaced to provide improvements to the taxiway that feeds the east side T-Hangar buildings.
  • Taxiway Alpha construction at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) began on April 26, 2021 and was completed in early October.
  • Taxiway Bravo construction at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) began in the spring of 2022 and was officially re-opened in July 2023. This project included re-aligning connecting taxiways.
  • Safety gates at various open access points at both IXD and OJC were installed and are fully operational. These gates provide added assistance in preventing runway incursions.
  • A slurry seal of the west transient ramp was completed in 2021 at New Century AirCenter (IXD).
  • The Navy Park Stormwater project was recently completed at New Century Commerce Center to include removal of the berm, adding a fountain for aeration, and replacement of the stormwater drains.

Future Projects

  • Runway 18/36 at New Century AirCenter (IXD) is planned to have major rehabilitation project completed in the near future.
  • The electrical vault at New Century AirCenter was approved through a KDOT grant for design and construction work in the coming years.
  • Construction of a new and relocated Air Traffic Control Tower at New Century AirCenter will be started in the coming years.
  • Preservation of a historic Olathe Naval Air Station bunker is slated to begin soon.
  • Seal coat of several taxiways at New Century AirCenter will begin in the next year.
  • Taxiway K & L edge lighting and signage will be replaced very soon.
  • The west apron at New Century AirCenter will soon start design for a complete reconstruction.
  • Runup pads at both airports are planned for the coming years.
  • Additional airport fencing is soon to be installed to complete the full enclosure at both airports.
  • Additional and replacement airport gate access is planned for the near future for both airports.
  • Design and construction of a Snow Removal Equipment (SRE) building are soon to begin.