Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport Improvements

Project Snapshot

Project Overview

Introduction

Runway and infrastructure improvements to The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport enhance safety, increase operational capacity and improve resistance to potential impacts of climate change.

Project Challenges

Working adjacent to active taxiways and runways required strict safety protocols and coordination with air traffic control. The project demanded high precision in a congested site with multiple subcontractors and complex underground infrastructure. Additional hurdles included GPS irregularities from solar activity and verifying elevations for approach light towers up to 60 meters high. Safety restrictions limited tower access to the contractor, so Underhill implemented innovative UAV-based surveying solutions to ensure accuracy without direct access.

Underhill’s Approach

Underhill tackled these challenges with targeted strategies: training crews for active air traffic environments, using precision-calibrated equipment with redundant checks, and maintaining constant communication to avoid conflicts.

For underground utilities, we relied on detailed locate data and site history to separate live from abandoned lines. During solar interference, GPS occupation times were extended and validated with redundant measurements.

Approach light towers required creative solutions—360° prisms were installed before assembly to ensure correct elevations, and final as-builts were captured via UAV LiDAR and photogrammetry, supported by leveled targets for vertical accuracy. Specialized UAV crews operated safely within the airport environment under air traffic control coordination.

The Approach Towers: Engineering at Extreme Heights

The towering heights of the Approach structures are truly exceptional—rarely seen on this scale. This unique design was driven by the challenging topography surrounding the airport, which is bordered by escarpment banks and cliffs on three sides—an uncommon setting for any airport.

Due to strict safety measures, Underhill was unable to collect data on-site. Instead, the solution came through advanced UAV flight missions, leveraging both LiDAR and photogrammetry to capture precise data from above.

Notable Outcomes

• Runway Reconstruction: Complete rebuild of the main runway with upgraded drainage, electrical systems, and extended taxiways for long-term reliability.
• Parallel Runway Upgrade: Improvements to maintain operations during main runway work and accommodate larger aircraft.
• Enhanced Safety & Capacity: New runway edge and approach lighting, upgraded taxiways, and modernized infrastructure.
• Climate Resilience & Sustainability: Installation of 500 LED lights to reduce energy use and carbon footprint; recycled materials used for construction.
• Economic Impact: Boosts Yukon’s mining and tourism sectors; passenger traffic up 22.5% in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 

Technical Highlights

• Static GPS surveys of control networks
• Robotic Total Station Surveys of Gran A and Asphalt Grading Control Network
• Digital Level surveys of control network elevations
• RTK GPS Asbuilt and construction layout Surveys
• UAV Mapping of Original Ground Surface and South Approach Towers
• Robotic Total Station Surveys used to layout and Asbuilt Asphalt and Gran A
• Digital Level utilized to spot check Storm, Subdrain, Sanitary, and Water Main invert elevations

Project Impact

The Whitehorse Airport Improvement Project has significantly enhanced safety, capacity, and sustainability for Yukon’s primary air gateway. By reconstructing the main runway, upgrading lighting and drainage systems, and adding energy-efficient LED technology, the airport now meets modern standards for reliability and climate resilience. These improvements support economic growth by boosting passenger traffic, strengthening supply chains, and accommodating larger aircraft. Partnerships with local First Nations have created employment and training opportunities, while plans for new facilities will further optimize operations and services.