FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (April 22, 2009) – Major Runway Improvements Begin May 1 at PDX

Construction Approach Keeps Airport Fully Operational, Minimizes Aircraft Noise Impacts for Neighbors

Portland International Airport neighbors should expect some changes when major runway improvements begin May 1.

Supplementing community discussions at dozens of meetings and open houses over the past several years, Port of Portland is mailing postcards and placing newspaper advertisements in a final project outreach to neighbors.

While the construction approach is designed to keep the airport fully operational, and minimize aircraft noise impacts for neighbors, the work will have some noise impacts for neighbors.

The major improvements to the airport’s two primary runways, will begin with the first phase of the extension and rehabilitation of the north 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 are scheduled during the construction seasons spanning May-October 2009, 2010 and 2011. Because of varying runway closures during construction, more propeller aircraft are expected to use the airport’s north-south (crosswind) runway, meaning airport neighbors may notice some increase in aircraft noise.

While closing a primary runway for construction presents some operational challenges, flight delays are not expected, and airlines may adjust their schedules if necessary. During construction, the Port will provide project updates at www.pdx.com, where more project background is also available.

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 up to six months will also greatly improve 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. 

The overall budget for the north runway extension is $63.5 million, with some $50 million anticipated in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration and about $6 million anticipated in grant funding from ConnectOregon II.

Earlier, the Port conducted an Environmental Assessment for the north runway extension, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act. In January, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact, following a public comment period and open houses on the topic last year.

Related Link:

PDX North Runway Extension