A major project to restore and upgrade the seven miles of fence around the airport perimeter could be completed in the coming months.

The initiative is part of an ongoing programme to ensure LF Wade International’s continued compliance with aviation security requirements.

An Airport Aviation Security spokesman told The Royal Gazette that the project was a “massive undertaking” and had been accelerated due to the extensive damage caused by Hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo last year.

“Airport Operations has focused its resources on the Clearwater end of the runway; in and around the hangar facility at Apron 3; security control gates and along the perimeter surrounding the new executive jet facility at Southside,” the spokesman said. “New fencing has also been installed around the Air Traffic Control Tower and the Bermuda Weather Service.

“A-1 Fencing is in the process of installing privacy slats along the perimeter fence at the new executive jet facility. These are designed to help mitigate jet engine blast and to provide a degree of noise abatement.”

The spokesman said “new aircraft parking and positioning procedures may need to be considered to further mitigate any noise pollution”.

He added: “Once in place, Airport Operations will monitor noise emanating from the apron which, due to the southwest prevailing winds, is affecting some communities in the St David’s area.”

The next stage of the project will focus on the section of fencing along Kindley Field Road between the flight kitchen and the Swing Bridge roundabout.

The spokesman said: “Airport Operations installed privacy scrim along the fence line to reduce the visibility of the unsightly illegal dumping that had been rampant in the area of land formerly managed by BLDC. However, this was significantly damaged by the storms.

“The restoration works are designed to utilise upgraded fencing materials and to replace areas that have been severely corroded by the salt water environment.

“Additional fencing was installed around the baseball fields located opposite of the Double Dip Ice Cream parlour.

“This new fencing and restricted access has helped considerably in minimising the illegal dumping that was rampant. When funding becomes available, a substantial clean-up effort will be required to fully restore the area near Gate One.”