Runway 10-28, one of the major commercial runways at Baltimore/Washington
International Thurgood Marshall Airport, reopened today following months of
major construction. The runway was temporarily closed in late August as
part of a comprehensive series of airfield improvements. The closure was
necessary in order to complete pavement work, taxiway improvements, and
installation of new navigational equipment as required by Congress and the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“This multi-year effort will help ensure the operational safety and
efficiency of the BWI Marshall airfield,” said Ricky Smith, Chief Executive
Officer of BWI Marshall. “I want to thank the local community for the
patience and support during the runway closure. I also want to thank the
BWI Marshall staff, the construction companies, the airlines, and the FAA
for their partnership and close collaboration on this highly complicated
work.”
Since 2010, BWI Marshall has carried out a number of major airfield
improvement projects, including Runway Safety Area (RSA) improvements
mandated by the U.S. Congress. RSAs are the surfaces surrounding airport
runways that provide important safety margins for arriving and departing
aircraft. Airports across the country must meet updated federal RSA
standards by the end of 2015. All BWI Marshall Airport runways now meet the
updated FAA criteria for RSAs.
Airline operational patterns are expected to be at normal activity with the
reopening of Runway 10-28. Further airfield construction activities will
continue in coming months. Short-term, temporary runway closures will be
required as part of that work.
BWI Marshall worked extensively with the FAA, the airlines, and construction
contractors to coordinate the work in order to minimize the impact on
airport operations. The approximately $350 million overall airfield program
includes: runway pavement reconstruction, grading, airfield lighting
improvements, taxiway upgrades, installation of new navigational aids, and
other associated projects. Funding for the program includes approximately
$230 million in Passenger Facility Charge (PRC) revenues, an anticipated $95
million in federal funding, and $25 million from the Maryland Transportation
Trust Fund.
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