The Port Authority reopened runway 13L-31R at John F. Kennedy International Airport today following an accelerated, seven-month complete runway replacement that included the addition of a new high-speed taxiway, part of a package of state-of-good-repair and system-enhancing measures to improve operations at the airport.
The new runway is 33% wider to accommodate the largest aircraft
Use of concrete should extend runway life up to 40 years, nearly four times longer than the previous asphalt paving
“We are pleased to complete this project on time and within budget, and we appreciate the cooperation and collaboration from the FAA, our airline partners, terminal operators and surrounding communities,” said Port Authority Aviation Director Huntley A. Lawrence. “Reopening this newer, wider, and more resilient runway will improve traffic flow and enable JFK to better serve the 62 million travellers who pass through the airport each year”
The 10,000-foot-long runway, which handles nearly half of JFK’s arriving planes, was entirely rebuilt and widened by 50 feet to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft. This project was completed with a specialized concrete for long-term durability that will minimize future operational impacts and meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards. The concrete application has a 40-year lifespan, four times longer than the previous asphalt paving.
The rehabilitation project also called for the replacement of obsolete electrical systems with new state-of-the-art infrastructure, including energy efficient and long-lasting LED lights.
The new runway and high-speed taxiway also will improve operational efficiency and reduce runway occupancy time per arrival. Time-savings are cumulative and are estimated to save passengers approximately 1,000 hours annually in delays and taxiing time, for a combined savings to airlines and passengers of about $9 million.
The project is the result of a successful collaboration among the Port Authority, the FAA, and the airlines in planning for and completing the project with minimal impact on the flying public.
The runway project is part of a comprehensive Port Authority program of airport infrastructure improvements focused on enhanced safety and reduced flight delays. In addition to JFK, high-speed taxiways at Newark Liberty International Airport are being planned, as is the expansion of the aeronautical operations areas.
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