Deterioration of pavement on the main runway at the Hays Regional Airport necessitates a reconstruction project, which will begin next month.

The first phase will include the intersection with the crosswind runway to the south end of the main runway, leaving about 4,500 feet for air traffic. For the next phase planes will use the crosswind runway, while the remainder of the main runway is constructed. Assistant Public Works Director John Braun says during construction there could be limitations placed on the number of passengers for some flights.

The project is expected to take about six months. Next week the commission will consider approving the bid from Smoky Hill Construction, which came in below the estimate.