DFW Airport’s busiest runway set to re-open after $133 million enhancement project
(DFW AIRPORT, Texas – Feb. 11, 2019) – The busiest runway at one of the busiest airports in the world is set to reopen to air traffic after an innovative $133 million enhancement project at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport. Originally opened in 1983, Runway 17C/35C has been under construction since May 2018 to resurface more than 13,000 feet of pavement with high-tech, weather-resistant asphalt. The runway is expected to receive its first arrival flight on March 10 at 7:00 a.m. CST, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opens it for traffic.
“The reopening of Runway 17C is a testament to the great work of DFW employees and the tremendous partnerships we have with the FAA, our airline partners and our contractors,” said Khaled Naja, DFW’s executive vice president of Infrastructure and Development. “The team endured one of the rainiest periods in DFW history and has upgraded our airfield to better serve our customers safely and efficiently for decades to come.”
At 13,401 feet, Runway 17C/35C handles approximately 40% of arrivals into DFW. The rehabilitation required more than 200,000 hours of labor and 220,000 tons of asphalt, creating DFW’s first asphalt runway and completing the first full runway refurbishment at the Airport since it opened in 1974.
Asphalt was chosen as a durable replacement for concrete using a special mix called PG88/-22, which can withstand temperatures up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The special mix is approved by the FAA and underwent rigorous quality controls during the construction process, with testing conducted at every 2,000 tons during production.
“DFW took every step possible to reduce the construction time and return the air traffic patterns to normal as quickly as possible,” said Chad Makovsky, executive vice president of Operations. “We thank the FAA and our surrounding communities for working with us to find innovative solutions to keep the airfield operating at full capacity over the last several months.”
Detailed FAA inspections will take place over the next two weeks, preparing the runway for its first arrival. The runway includes enhanced LED lighting and pavement markings. The project was funded through $80 million in FAA grants.
About Dallas Fort Worth International Airport:
Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport warmly welcomes more than 69 million customers along their journey every year, elevating DFW to a status as one of the most frequently visited superhub airports in the world. Customers can choose among 182 domestic and 62 international nonstop destinations worldwide. DFW is elevating the customer experience with modernized facilities and updated amenities. Centered between its owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major economic generator for the North Texas region, producing over $37 billion in economic impact each year by connecting people through business and leisure travel. In 2019, DFW Airport earned the prestigious Airport of the Year award from Air Transport World. For more information, visit the DFW website or download the DFW Mobile App for iOS and Android devices.
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