Newly raised and reinforced dike will protect airfield from sea level rise and flooding caused by earthquakes
Oakland, Calif. – June 17, 2026: The Port of Oakland and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) today announced that work is nearly complete on a major infrastructure project that will protect the airport’s airfield from sea level rise and flooding from catastrophic earthquakes. At an estimated cost of $80 million, the Airport Perimeter Dike Improvement Project has undergone two major phased improvements since 2020 and is expected to complete on schedule this September.
“As we build for future generations, the Airport Perimeter Dike Project reflects our commitment to resilient infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality,” said Kristi McKenney, Executive Director at the Port of Oakland. “OAK operates at the edge of the San Francisco Bay, and this work ensures the airport can safely serve the region for generations to come.”
The Airport Perimeter Dike Improvement Project is one of the Bay Area waterfront’s largest public infrastructure projects that directly addresses future climate change and threats from seismic activity . The dike runs approximately 4.5 miles between Alameda and San Leandro and has protected the airport from flooding and tidal inundation since its original construction in the 1950s. Built primarily of sand, gravel, and clay, the dike safeguards the airfield, which is situated on low-lying reclaimed bay land.
The improvement program was designed as a two-phase effort. In simple terms, Phase 1 of the project raised the height of the dike and Phase 2 strengthened the ground itself.
- Phase 1: Flood protection and sea level rise adaptation
- The dike was raised to meet and exceed FEMA standards.
- An additional foot of elevation beyond the requirements was added for additional protection.
- Increased elevation will provide 30–35 years of protection against sea level rise, storm surge, and future climate variability.
- The total construction time was 2 years, and was completed in 2022.
- Phase 2: Seismic resiliency (nearly complete)
- Based on analysis of risk, a 5,000-foot section of the dike was targeted for reinforcement .
- This phase utilizes Cement Deep Soil Mixing (CDSM), an advanced engineering technique that stabilizes the ground beneath the structure.
- Deep soil layers are mixed with cement to form reinforced columns, reducing risk of settlement and liquefaction during an earthquake.
- The phase is currently in the final segment of work along runway 12-30 in the south field.
- Total construction time is approximately 1.5 years, with anticipated completion date in September 2026.
Phase 1 costs totaled approximately $30 million, with $6.4 million in funding for Phase 1 granted through the State of California’s Local Levee Assistance Program. Total cost for Phase 2 is an estimated $52.7 million, with $32 million funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through the Airport Improvement Program. The total estimated cost for the Phase 1 and 2 combined is approximately $80 million. Phase 1 was constructed by O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc. and Phase 2 is being constructed by Granite Construction Inc.
“Given the Bay Area’s high seismic exposure and the airport’s location on soils prone to liquefaction, this work is essential to maintaining operational integrity following a major seismic event,” said Emilia Sánchez, Director of Engineering at the Port of Oakland. “This project ensures OAK will be ready when the region needs it most.”
OAK plays a vital role in regional emergency response and economic continuity. Ensuring the airport remains operational after major events is essential for emergency and disaster response operations, cargo movement and supply chain continuity, and regional recovery efforts. Together, the two phases of the Airport Perimeter Dike Project represent a forward-looking investment in regional resilience, safety, and sustainability.
To provide additional context and visual explanation of the Airport Perimeter Dike Project, please view our explainer video here.