—New lights, signs, cables and navigational aids installed
—New high-speed taxiway enables planes to exit runways faster, to save travelers valuable time
—New runway is 33% wider to accommodate largest aircraft
—USE OF CONCRETE should EXTEND RUNWAY LIFE UP TO 40 YEARS, nearly four times longer than the previous asphalt paving
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority NY NJ) reopened runway 13L-31R at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, USA on November 18, 2019, 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 10,000-foot-long runway runs east/west on the airport’s north side and handles almost half of JFK’s arriving planes.
The runway is being built with concrete for long-term durability that will minimize future operational impacts. Huntley A. Lawrence, Director-Port Authority Aviation said, “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. Reopening this newer, wider, and more resilient runway will improve traffic flow and enable JFK to better serve the 62 million travelers who pass through the airport each year.”
Kevin O’Toole, Chairman-Port Authority, said: “Runway rehabilitation is an essential part of the Port Authority’s state-of-good-repair initiatives at its airports and our continuing efforts to ensure world-class operations. This infrastructure investment will enhance the efficiency of aircraft movements on the ground, while the use of concrete will shorten the project’s timetable and increase the lifespan of the runway.”
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.
Port Authority Vice Chairman, Jeffrey Lynford, said: “State-of-the-art runway and taxiway systems are essential to ensuring John F. Kennedy International remains one of the world’s most important airports.’’
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 runway work is expected to generate 1,880 total jobs and an additional $140.6 million in wages, and produce nearly $385 million in economic activity over the life of the project.
The project is the result of a successful collaboration among The Port Authority NY NJ, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the airlines in planning for and completing the project—with minimal impact on the flying public. To help ensure minimal impacts on travelers, the Port Authority worked to coordinate flight schedules, airport operations during construction with the FAA and the airlines.
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.
For more information, please contact:
The Port Authority NY NJ: Phone: 212-435-7777
For the The Port Authority NY NJ Press Release, please go to: https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/press-room/vital-jfk-runway-reopens-completing-rehabilitation-and-repair.html
For the “International Airport Review” Online News article, please go to: https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/76160/runway-revamp-jfk-airport/
Home page photo: “International Airport Review” Online News
Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency’s network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, please visit www.panynj.gov.