Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is initiating a comprehensive effort to address a series of airfield projects, focusing on large capital improvements and providing On-Call Professional Services to support airport staff. The capital projects include the replacement of aging infrastructure that has exceeded its useful life, as well as corrective actions for items identified during the airport's annual FAA Part 139 Certification inspection. RUNWAY 18/36 PROGRAM: Runway 18/36 was originally constructed in 1993 and reconstructed in the early 2000s. Since that time, the pavement has seen pavement distresses and premature failures relative to its expected service life. MSN has completed a repair project in Fall 2026 to address more than 1,100 failed pavement patches and extend the pavement's useful life in advance of future rehabilitation or reconstruction. The existing Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for Runway 18/36 in 2026 is 63. RUNWAY 3/21 PROGRAM: MSN is preparing to evaluate, plan, and design a proposed extension of Runway 3/21. This initiative aligns with a recent Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) plan to reconstruct and realign US Highway 51, which currently runs adjacent to the eastern boundary of airport property. MSN has engaged in discussions with WisDOT to shift the highway further east. This realignment would support compliance with FAA standards and promote compatible land use by improving the existing Runway Protection Zone (RPZ), thereby enhancing public safety. Outside of FAA improvements, it would primarily allow WisDOT to improve traffic safety with moving US-51 / Hanson Road intersection outside of the RPZ, allowing for a traffic-controlled intersection and multi-use path along the east side and connect the City of Madison multi-modal network. WisDOT information is publicly available here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/by-region/sw/us51-corridor/northstudy.aspx The timing of the US-51 reconstruction presents a strategic opportunity to coordinate both infrastructure projects. MSN intends to ensure that planning and design efforts for the runway extension are integrated with WisDOT's schedule, allowing both projects to proceed in parallel and maximize long-term operational and safety benefit. The length of extension shown below will ultimately be determined, justified, and eligible through the on-going Master Plan process. Lengths of 800-feet (as described in the Noise Compatibility Program) and 1,520-feet are shown to provide range of options. The existing Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for Runway 3/21 in 2026 is 69. RUNWAY 14/32 REHABILITATION: To support Runway 18/36 and Runway 3/21 programs for the upcoming years, MSN is planning to extend the pavement life of Runway 14/32. Runway 14/32 was last reconstructed in 1975, with recent partial depth pavement repairs and joint resealing in 2019. The existing Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for Runway 14/32 in 2026 is 59. WEST RAMP EXPANSION: As a small-hub Primary Commercial Services Airport, MSN is served by American Airlines, Delta, Breeze Airways, Sun Country (Allegiant), Frontier, and United Airlines. The airport has consistently surpassed passenger records, most recently exceeding 1.3 million enplanements in 2025, with growth in 2026 continuously up 10% month over month. The West Ramp was rehabilitated in 2020 with panel repairs and was last expanded to the north by 17,500-square yards in 2007. As of July 2026, MSN operates 16 gates and accommodates 20 Remain‑Overnight (RON) aircraft. Given continued and projected growth, MSN must expand its apron pavement to provide additional aircraft parking capacity. The on-going Master Plan process is planned to expedite this project as part of the forecast and alternatives section. Justification and eligibility on size of expansion will be considered at that time. MISCELLANOUS AIRFIELD IMPROVEMENTS: MSN has several critical operational needs that fall outside of major capital improvement projects but require coordination, evaluation, and alignment with ongoing and future capital efforts. Due to the type and location of this work, these activities will be grouped to streamline delivery and minimize operational impacts. In addition, MSN's 2026 FAA Certification Inspection identified minor deficiencies that must be addressed as part of these efforts. CELLPHONE LOT PARKING EXPANSION: MSN continues to experience capacity constraints in its public parking facilities and is actively planning an expansion to meet projected demand over the next three years. The proposed project includes developing approximately 850 additional parking stalls on the west side of International Lane to support continued passenger growth and operational needs. The design parameters & vision will align with upcoming Economy Lot Parking Expansion project, which is expected to be constructed in 2027. The expansion area is located within the BRRTS PFAS site, where an active pilot mitigation project is nearing completion. As part of this parking development, ongoing PFAS mitigation measures will be integrated into the design and construction approach to ensure compliance with environmental requirements and site‑specific constraints. Below is a conceptual layout, but scheduled to change and adjust during design. DARWIN ROAD AND INTERNATIONAL LANE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS: The Darwin Road and International Lane Intersection Improvements project is a critical safety and access initiative being advanced alongside the Cellphone Lot Parking Expansion. The intersection requires upgrades to improve traffic flow and circulation for Airport users as activity in the area continues to grow. Because jurisdictional responsibility is shared between the Airport and the City, the project will require close coordination to align design standards, right‑of‑way needs, and construction phasing. Improvements must also account for nearby projects and be planned to minimize operational disruptions during implementation. Traffic data will be completed by the on-going Master Plan process and shared to the design team for consideration. The capital improvement project(s) process will be conducted in coordination with the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and will include multiple review stages by MSN, BOA, and FAA representatives. ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: MSN is seeking qualified firm(s) to provide On‑Call Professional Services supporting a wide range of airport‑owned and operated facilities. The goal is to establish long‑term partnerships that help MSN meet ongoing demands associated with growth, operational pace, and facility needs. On‑Call assignments may include feasibility studies, planning tasks, facility assessments, environmental support, program development, air service support, deferred maintenance planning, cost estimating, infrastructure upgrades, code and permitting compliance support, and emergency response services.
