Lifting Airport Efficiency and Safety 
The Des Moines Airport Authority operates in a 74-year-old facility that creates a lot of time-consuming work for daily operations. From inefficient loading dock operations to crammed baggage handling areas, airport staff and tenants must create workarounds to meet the growing air travel needs. As Lift DSM projects get underway, the team elevates the project's priority based on enhanced safety and efficiency of airport operations. This area is a priority for every project and every decision.
We are also environmentally focused and are identifying opportunities to be energy efficient through natural light, exploring solar energy options, and focusing on reducing emissions by investigating electric vehicle options.
Lift DSM: Efficiency and Safety Projects
| Airport Entrance Road |
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The Des Moines Airport Authority Board approved the construction of a new entrance road that will connect to the future terminal building and additional parking garage. The roadway, which expands the wayfinding time for travelers and improves safety, will be constructed in six phases. Phase 1 began in spring 2021 and was completed that fall. Phase 2 is currently underway, with site work happening along Fleur Drive with an estimated completion of November 2022. The road will be elevated and eventually will connect to the entrance of the new parking garage, slated to break ground in 2023 and open in 2024. The remaining phases of the entrance road will be completed following the construction of the new terminal building.
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| Runway and Taxiway Reconstruction |
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The Airport Authority's primary responsibility and focus is the maintenance and safety of the runways and airport terminal facility. With that in mind, they approved a plan to reconstruct all the runways starting in 2010. The primary runway 13/31 has been fully reconstructed, excluding the intersection portion of the two runways. Runway 5/23 is currently under construction, which can be seen near the McKinley and Fleur Drive intersection and along Fleur Drive. Runway 5/23 will be completed in November 2022. An extension will be added to the end of Runway 31 in spring 2023, allowing for the complete reconstruction of the intersection in fall 2023. Both runways will be completely reconstructed by November 2023, enhancing the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft for years to come.
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