Cyril E. King Airport. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
The V.I. Port Authority has announced that a series of boring tests will be conducted at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the terminal. The project is tentatively set to begin on Monday, October 21, with an estimated duration of 23 days. The testing will take place in the domestic passenger lounge and airside baggage claim areas of the terminal.
Boring tests involve drilling holes into the ground to analyze subsurface materials, which is a crucial step in the planning and construction process for infrastructure projects. These tests will support VIPA’s Public/Private Partnership (P3) project, which aims to upgrade and improve the airport’s facilities to better serve travelers and tenants.
VIPA has assured the public that the boring work will not disrupt normal airport operations or affect travel plans. The testing will occur nightly between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., during the terminal’s closure, to minimize any impact on passengers and staff. While the work is underway, some seating areas and mobile vendors may need to be temporarily relocated, and equipment will be stored neatly in the affected areas during the day.
Although VIPA does not anticipate any major disruptions, it has apologized in advance for any inconvenience that may arise during the project. The authority emphasizes that the testing is a necessary component of the broader terminal upgrade initiative.
For any questions or concerns regarding the project, VIPA encourages travelers and tenants to contact its Public Relations Office at (340) 774-1629 ext. 6640, via email at [email protected], or visit the project’s website at www.vipaairportsp3.com.