Essential resurfacing work at RAF Marham has been completed, aiming to maintain a safe and resilient airfield for Lightning Force operations. The project, which cost £3.5 million, covered an area of 28,000m2 of the runway intersection, last resurfaced in 2018. Additionally, 675m2 on Runway 05 was resurfaced.
The work also addressed deterioration below the surface, with over 4,000m2 of underlying pavement requiring repair. The location of the repairs meant all runways were unavailable, so a taxiway was used to maintain Lightning Force operations.
The project was carried out by VIVO and sub-contractor Allied with four specialist sub-contractors. Including preparatory work, the project was completed in five weeks, which is three weeks ahead of the original eight-week schedule. An alternative approach also led to a £3.8 million saving by removing the need for an on-site concrete batching plant.
Tim Fenton, DIO’s Project Delivery Manager, stated that the repairs are an important investment in the resilience of RAF Marham’s airfield infrastructure. Flt Lt Steve Southward, SO3 Sustain & Regional Delivery Desk Officer, RAF Central Region (South), noted that extending the project's scope while contractors were mobilised reduced future maintenance liabilities and enhanced critical airfield infrastructure.