The Airfield Lighting Modernization Project at Lake County Executive Airport (LNN), constructed by Jess Howard Electric, replaced the airport’s aging lighting infrastructure
with a modern, resilient system designed for long-term reliability and future expansion.
A new precast, insulated electrical vault building was constructed outside of taxiway object free areas, replacing the existing vault and allowing for upgraded lighting controls, power distribution, Constant Current Regulator (CCR), radio controllers, and surge protection. The vault features a two-hour fire-rated envelope, enhanced security, and organized equipment layout for safe operation and future scalability. The project included installation of a new lighting control panel system with both manual and automatic photocell control, as well as reserved capacity for future upgrades. Runway 5-23 and all taxiway edge lighting were replaced with medium intensity LED fixtures using a durable base can and conduit system. In future development areas, reflectors were installed in lieu of permanent fixtures.
Additional improvements included new LED Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs), full LED upgrade of signage, and a new rotating beacon mounted on a 55’ galvanized steel tip-down pole with LED obstruction lighting. All electrical connections were routed through newly installed concrete-encased duct banks, which separated 5kV and voltage-driven circuits for safety and maintainability.
Construction was phased to maintain airfield operations, requiring night work and careful coordination during utility service relocation and power switch-over. The project team, led by Nicole Bryan with lighting design engineers Joshua Hebb, Sunil Khatri, and Andrew Daly, delivered a code compliant, FAA-standard solution that supports current operations and future growth.
This project was recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society Airfield Lighting Committee as the General Aviation Award for Airport Project of the Year!