Wayne County, Michigan, USA

Runway 4L-22R, Detroit Metro Airport, MI

Detroit Metro’s Runway 4L/22R was requiring significant maintenance due to rapid deterioration caused by alkali-silica reaction. The decision was made to reconstruct the 10,000-foot runway and associated taxiways on a fast track schedule. The runway was closed in April and reopened in early November. Antigo operated three 8600 Badger Breakers® to break the 17″ thick concrete for removal during the main phase of runway reconstruction to achieve a production rate of 20,000 square yards of broken concrete per day to meet the very aggressive construction schedule.

Maximum recycling of existing materials was required as part of the owner’s sustainability program. Approximately 6.8 million tons of material, including the exiting concrete, was recycled/reused onsite and offsite.