JFK Runway to Close for Four Months
March 2nd, 2010 Posted in AirportsNew York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport isn’t exactly renowned for on-time departures and things may get worse before they get better for passengers using the airport this spring.
Starting today (1st March 2010), JFK’s busiest runway will close for four months for reconstruction.
The $376 million project for Runway 13-31, known as the Bay Runway, will widen it from 150 to 200 feet and add taxiways, all in an effort to ease traffic congestion at the airport.
The Port Authority of NY & NJ states it is “tackling delays with the reconstruction of our Bay Runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Once completed, this project will reduce delays overall by an estimated 10,500 hours per year.”
The airport’s website has posted a Q&A with more detail:
What is the Bay Runway Project?
Beginning March 1, 2010 one of the four runways at JFK will be closed for construction for 120 days; however this project should not impact travel significantly. The Port Authority in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airlines began in 2006 we have worked closely minimize the impact on airport operations when the runway is closed.
Why is the Bay Runway Project necessary?
The Bay Runway project is an investment in the future, the new concrete runway has an anticipated life of more than 40 years, compared to an 8-year service life for asphalt.
The project will upgrade JFK’s airside infrastructure, widen and replaces nearly three miles of runway. A central component of the Bay Runway reconstruction is the widening of the runway from 150 to 200 feet to make way for new delay-reduction taxiways. The new taxiways will improve aircraft queuing and enable swifter departures; and easier access from taxiways to terminal gates, saving time on the ground for every passenger at JFK.
How many runways are at JFK?
There are four runways at JFK. During normal operations, two or three of the four runways are in use due to airspace limitations. During the 120-day closure of the Bay Runway, all three remaining runways will be utilized when possible.
How will flights be affected when the Bay Runway is closed?
The Port Authority in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airlines, expect to minimize the impact on airport operations when the runway is closed. Airlines are operating on a normal winter schedule to mitigate delays.
The airport has three remaining runways that will be run to their full capabilities during the Bay Runway’s closure and officials are reducing the number of arrivals and departures at the airport from about 1,300 a day to 1,050, to ease potential congestion and delays.
About JFK:
The Bay Runway is more than 14,500 feet long, or almost 3 miles, one of the longest in the country. It handles more than half of all departures at JFK, according to The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The airport is run by he Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, under a lease with the city of New York since June 1, 1947. In 2004, the Port Authority and the city of New York concluded an agreement that ensures the Agency’s continued operation of JFK and LaGuardia airports through 2050.
Location: On Jamaica Bay in the southeastern section of Queens County, New York City. The airport is located 15 miles by highway from midtown Manhattan.
Size: JFK covers 4,930 acres, including 880 acres in the Central Terminal Area. The airport has more than 30 miles of roadway.
Investment: About $150 million was expended on original construction. The Port Authority has invested about $5.5 billion in the airport.
You must be logged in to post a comment.