The Taxiway Charlie-Echo Relocation/Reconstruction Project has begun.  Based on the proximity of the work area to Taxiway Alpha (the north-south taxiway adjacent the Air Carrier Ramp), the taxiway aircraft centerline was temporarily shifted west to accommodate construction equipment and personnel.

Consequently, aircraft taxiing on Taxiway Alpha are closer to the vehicle service road (VSR) that runs along the Movement/Non-Movement boundary marking.

The Taxiway Object Free Area (TOFA) is an area on the ground centered on a taxiway, or taxilane centerline provided to enhance the safety of aircraft operations by having the area free of objects, except for objects that need to be located in the OFA for air navigation or aircraft ground maneuvering purposes.  The TOFA for the relocated taxiway actually penetrates the VSR.

Vehicle operators on the portions of the VSR adjacent Taxiway Alpha must scan for taxiing aircraft and give way.  It may be necessary to vacate the VSR to allow the aircraft to pass safely.  Additional “YIELD TO AIRCRAFT” surface painted markings have been added at strategic points along the VSR to remind drivers to give way to taxiing aircraft.

For a shareable graphic, please click this link: https://ricairportal.com/wp-content/uploads/YIELD-TO-AIRCRAFT-SAFETY-ALERT.pdf