How a $63 Million Taxiway Will Transform Willow Run Airport Operations

The Willow Run Airport infrastructure has received a major upgrade. The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) announced the completion of a new $63 million taxiway project. This marks a significant milestone for the Ypsilanti, Michigan airfield.

Project Funding and Scope

The total cost of the project was $63.4 million. Funding came largely from federal sources. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provided $54.6 million in grants. This federal funding covered nearly 90 percent of the eligible costs. The remaining $8.7 million came from State of Michigan grants.

The new taxiway stretches over 7,500 feet. It runs parallel to the airport’s main runway. Construction was completed in three phases. The work began in spring 2023 and finished in October 2025.

Enhancing Safety and Cargo Capacity

The primary goal of the new taxiway is to enhance commercial aviation safety. It also improves airport operational efficiency and capacity. The new parallel design reduces runway occupancy time. This minimizes potential conflicts between aircraft. Such improvements align with global best practices set by the ICAO.

Willow Run Airport (YIP) is a critical hub for air freight. The airport handles over 200 million pounds of cargo annually. This ranks it among the nation's top airports for air freight transport.

Airport Director Michael Fawaz noted the positive impact. The airport is now better positioned to support its cargo partners and future development. The construction of the major infrastructure project is part of a larger initiative. This initiative aims to improve the design and operational flow at YIP.

• The $54.6 million FAA grant was critical for the project.
• The new taxiway is over 7,500 feet long.
• The upgrade significantly supports YIP cargo operations and capacity.

This investment highlights the ongoing commitment by the Wayne County Airport Authority to modernizing its facilities. The focus remains on safety and efficiency for all stakeholders. For more updates on airport development and infrastructure projects, visit our dedicated section on commercial aviation news.