91Èȱ¬

The temporary closure of Guernsey Airport's runway is an "inevitable consequence" of major development work, its director said.

The Public Services Department said it was working with the newly announced preferred contractor, Lagan Construction, on minimising disruption.

The project, which is expected to cost £81m, is set to include improvements to the runway and safety area.

Colin Le Ray said certain aspects of the work required closures of two days.

He said: "We think closures will be a necessity, we're trying to limit those down and make them as productive as we can... as keen as we are to avoid that we feel it almost now an inevitable consequence.

"We're going to aim to give at least six months notice, they're difficult to predict in terms of the programme when those closures will be.

"I would be surprised if there are any in 2011, it's more likely the closures would be in 2012, but we can't rule that out."

Mr Le Ray said Lagan Construction was chosen as the preferred choice from four bidders based on its meeting most of the set criteria at the highest level.

He said: "Lagan has a lot of experience in the construction of airfields, both at big airfields in the UK, but also in some remote island areas as well, which is clearly one of the big logistical issues for Guernsey as well."

The work is expected to take two years with at least seven months of work on the runway surface expected to take place overnight.

The programme is due to start in August, but before it goes ahead the States have to agree to the compulsory purchase of land needed for the project. The plans then have to be passed and the necessary material and equipment needed transported to the island.

The States will be asked to approve the contractor and £81m budget later in the year.

Mr Le Ray said: "We're quite confident at the moment that we'll be within that budget, which was approved by the States back in 2009."