The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco has begun construction on a $10.5 million taxiway renovation project.

The work will be performed in four phases, and it won't affect travelers.

As part of the plan, the airport will temporarily close Runway 12-30 and general aviation runway 3R-21L. The airport will then move and improve Taxiway A so it meets Federal Aviation Administration design standards.

Two additional taxiways will have their pavement rehabilitated, and portions of the apron will be extended. Including stops for winter weather, the project is expected to be completed in fall 2019.

“Airports are constantly evolving to keep pace with passenger growth, safety regulations, technological advancements and more,” said Buck Taft, director of Tri-Cities Airport. “This realignment project ensures that the airport will meet federal standards and continue to operate safely and efficiently.”

J-U-B Engineers is the project manager and also developed the taxiway project design; Inland Asphalt Co. will perform the construction work. Both firms have offices in the Tri-City area.

Ninety percent of the project’s costs come from a U.S. Department of Transportation grant, with the remaining portion being paid by the airport. The taxiway realignment project will not use local tax dollars.

The airport completed a $41.9 million terminal expansion project that doubled its size to 110,000 square feet last year.