FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (October 30, 2009) – PDX North Runway Reopens

Port completes first phase of runway improvements, airplanes begin returning to regular routes

With the completion of the first of three construction phases improving runways at Portland International Airport, Port of Portland today reopened the north runway, beginning to return aircraft to regular routes.

The reopening follows a six-month north runway closure allowing completion of the first half of the rehabilitation and extension of the runway. The extension is needed to accommodate larger aircraft that require the extra length for takeoff at PDX when the longer south runway closes for rehabilitation in 2011.

Construction activities completing the north runway will take place when the runway closes again during the May-October 2010 construction season. The south runway will close for rehabilitation from May-October 2011.

When a primary runway closes for construction, more propeller aircraft use the airport’s north-south (crosswind) runway, which means that airport neighbors, especially those south of the airport, experience increased aircraft noise.

“We thank our neighbors for their patience with aircraft noise during this important runway improvement project,” Steve Schreiber, Port aviation director said. “We also commend the excellent work of the FAA for keeping our airport fully operational while one of our two primary runways was closed for improvements.”

Construction work will extend the north runway from its current 8,000 feet to 9,827 feet to make it long enough to serve large passenger and cargo aircraft, including international flights to Europe and Asia, when the south runway closes for rehabilitation.

The south runway is 11,000 feet in length. An analysis of the south runway pavement determined that the typical method of performing repair work only during night closures would be inadequate to properly repair existing problems. The full-time closure for six months also greatly improves pavement durability, extending the runway’s life from the current 10 years to about 15 years, improving cost-effectiveness. The construction approach also reduces overall work from about five seasons to three seasons, minimizing aircraft noise impacts for airport neighbors.