W.B. Hopke Awarded New Storm Drainage Project at IAD Taxiway Whiskey in Virginia

In January 2026, a new project was awarded to W.B. Hopke that includes the installation of new storm drainage and inlets at Dulles International Airport. The project named IAD Taxiway Whiskey is part of an ongoing, multi-contractor effort at Dulles. The project includes full-depth replacement of approximately 208,100 square yards, 43 acres of existing 10-inch thick pavement or concrete slabs, asphalt shoulder repairs, and improving drainage, signage and lighting systems.

Replacing the pads will include excavation, site preparation, striping and restoration of disturbed areas by several contractors and will improve operational efficiency and meet modern day safety compliance standards.

According to Hopke estimator, Dillon McCoy, Hopke’s schedule as the subcontractor to general contractor Atlantic Contracting is to begin work in May 2026 on IAD taxiway Y, at the south side of the airport. Mr. McCoy said, “Hopke’s role will be to install around 5,000 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipe (12ʺ CL5 RCP to 60ʺ CL5 RCP) to help build out drainage for a new taxiway.” This high-strength, precast concrete pipe is used for underground infrastructure designed for superior load bearing capacity for storm drain applications.

Hopke will also install 22 aircraft rated inlets. Aircraft-rated inlets, also known as heavy-duty drainage castings, are specifically-designed structures capable of withstanding the immense loads and high traffic volumes specific to airport environments such as runways, taxiways and aprons. They can handle at minimum 40,000 lbs with extra heavy-duty airport ratings reaching up to 200,000 lbs.

Hopke is scheduled to complete their work roughly six months from the start date. McCoy indicated, “The project itself is in an open field, so the project doesn’t have any major challenges from airport traffic, but getting initial badging and access into the airport can be challenging at the start of the project. Once the badging process is completed, it should be pretty smooth.”

The full Hopke team, lead by project manager, Paul Cloutier and superintendent, Billy Green, have yet to be determined. There will be more updates and photos about the project in the coming weeks.

W.B. Hopke is a fourth generation, family-run construction business focused on building high quality utility infrastructure and lifelong careers. Hopke is located in Alexandria, VA and works throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With almost 70 years of experience, Hopke prides itself on repeat customers across all kinds of market segments – schools, churches, data centers, distribution facilities, multi-family, mixed use, residential subdivisions, senior living, self-storage, heavy highway, retail, commercial office, automotive, stream restoration, and parks.

Contact W.B. Hopke about a career in utility installation and site work at 703-971-0404 or info@wbhopke.com.