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.

Click here to view the Port’s video on the technology used in Phase 2 of the Airport Perimeter Dike Improvement Project.

“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 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.

About Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK)

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all the region’s business, entertainment, and tourism venues. The vision of OAK is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.

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Contact – Members of the Press and Media Only

Kaley Skantz – Airport Spokesperson, kskantz@portoakland.com

OAK Media Hotline: 510.563.6500

Click Here to Access OAK’s Media On-Site Request Form