Flights Are Cleared for Takeoff Thanks to Pulice’s Runway Reconstruction at Mesa Gateway Airport
- Arizona Contractor & Community
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Uncovering unexpected items on a construction site usually isn’t a good sign, as it often indicates extra work rather than discovering a buried treasure. This was the case with Pulice on the recent $45.6 million Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract to deliver the $18.5 million Phase One of the Runway 12R-30L Reconstruction at Mesa Gateway Airport.
“We found decades-old pipes on the project that were not in the drawings,” says Pulice Project Manager Jeff Gergal for Pulice. “But we still didn’t let it bog down the construction schedule.”
In fact, Pulice not only finished the project early but also completed it under budget. “We finished six weeks early and still were able to get some extra work done for the client,” Gergal says.
The project marks Pulice’s seventh airside improvements contract for Mesa Gateway Airport Authority since 2018, including work on Taxiway C, Taxiway K, and the Ellsworth Channel.
Phase One, which started in October 2024 and was completed in May 2025, included:
• 45000 square yards of reconstructed Portland Cement Concrete Pavement runway pavement.
• 26000 square yards of reconstructed asphalt concrete (AC) shoulder pavement.
• New runway markings.
• New runway lighting.
• Complete infield grading and drainage improvements.
Mesa Gateway Airport is booming, with new projects emerging, and the Pulice project team needed to be flexible and maintain strong communication with the client to keep everything moving forward when occasional changes arose, including ensuring project needs were met. “Pulice was successful by using its deep connections to locate alternatives where needed,” Gergal says.
The project was the first horizontal CMAR at Mesa Gateway Airport. “The CMAR delivery method works wonders for keeping client, engineer, general contractor, and other key stakeholders working together for a common goal,” according to Gergal. He added that due to the way CMARs operate, all parties collaborated to find a solution for live communications and fiber optic lines that could not be shut down during construction.
An existing strong bond between the airport and the general contractor helps the projects run more smoothly. “We have a great working relationship with Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, as the same team has been in place for years,” said Marketing Manager Jason Evans. “The airport is an active partner, highly organized in a way that makes them great to work alongside.”
Employee Spotlight: Sujay Sudhir More, Field/Project Engineer
Experience: 1 year with Pulice
Favorite job task: Witnessing the transformation of the runway—seeing it demo-ed in just four days and then rebuilt meticulously, day by day, to spec, on time, and under budget. The sheer volume of concrete we pour in such a short window is impressive, but what excites me most is managing the schedule and watching our look-ahead planning come to life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see everything align—from logistics to execution—and to build lasting relationships with the stakeholders along the way. Being part of their lives, celebrating their wins, and supporting them through challenges makes the work deeply meaningful.
Most challenging job task: For any project to succeed, hitting the schedule is critical. What’s most challenging is staying focused on the task at hand while constantly anticipating upcoming milestones. Managing expectations across teams and stakeholders requires sharp attention to detail and proactive communication. It pushes me to think ahead, adapt quickly, and lead with clarity.
Most memorable day at work: One of my most memorable days was when we began breaking beams to test for strength and confirm we were meeting—or even exceeding—project requirements. That moment symbolized how every element, from planning to execution, must align perfectly for success to occur. It was a proud reflection of teamwork, precision, and shared commitment to excellence.
Favorite off-job task: I love taking long drives with good music and great company. I’m naturally curious and spend time researching global trends in trade, economics, and policy—especially how they impact our industry and communities. Staying informed helps me connect the dots between the world we build and the world we live in.
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