Major JFK runway resurfacing gets underway
BY JEFF YAPALATER
The $355 million runway construction at JFK
has begun. After years of pre-planning, spirited
debates over timing and impact on the airlines
and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
compliance issues, the shovel hit the dirt on
April 1.
One of four major runways at JFK Airport,
13L 31R is completely shut down until November
as crews replace worn, cracked and the
aging runway.
Aviation Director Huntley Lawrence,
said the construction was necessary now to
maintain safety and longevity as well fit into
the overall JFK Airport redevelopment. He
said “the way this runway being constructed
will last 40 years due to the type of material
being used, so it’s better to get it all
done now.”
Prior to the planned construction there
were many meetings held at the airport
with airlines, terminal operators, the
FAA and stakeholders. Many expressed
concerns over the long time closure and
possible negative impact during the summer
months when severe thunderstorms could
negatively impact flights.
Airlines management expressed thoughts
that the loss of one major runway could
hamper operations causing passenger delays
with one less runway.
However, through the efforts of
collaboration, the Port heard the
concerns and was able to tweak the
timeframe, scope and to maintain daily
communications to mitigate problems
working with the airport stakeholders
and FAA.
Said Rick Cotton, executive director of The
Port Authority, ‘“With collaboration from our
airline partners and the Federal Aviation
Administration, the next eight months of
continuous work on Runway 13L-31R will
pay huge dividends in terms of operational
safety and efficiency over the coming decades
at JFK, as it represents the final phase of
upgrading the four operational runways at
the airport.”
JFK terminal operators expressed
support for the project. “The Port Authority
has continued to work extensively with
the airport community in preparation for
the runway reconstruction, which will
directly impact all terminals and airlines.
All JFK terminal operators understand the
importance of this critical runway work.”
Evidence of the commitment to expedition
the project could be seen as more than 50 work
related vehicles were seen at the airport on
the second day of construction.
“The Port Authority recognizes the need
for infrastructure upgrades to improve the
customer’s flight experience and to better
maintain and operate our facilities and
assets,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin
O’Toole. “This project is critical to achieve
those goals, and we are working to ensure
minimal impact while the reconstruction is
under way.”
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