Airport runway repairs to cause more air traffic for some communities
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - The lookout point at Charlotte Douglas International Airport gives a close up look at more construction than planes.
One of the airport's four runways is being re paved, which could result in some delays and increased air traffic for some communities for next two and a half months.
The center runway was temporarily closed on Monday, August 15, and it will take 70 days to complete.
Construction crews will remove the pavement from the full length, middle portion of the runway and replace it with new concrete. They will also be installing new lighting.
Contractors will try to work 24 hours six days a week. If it rains during the week, Sunday will be used a make-up day.
The aircraft that typically use the center runway will use the new runway parallel to I-485. It opened in 2010.
As a result of these temporary operational changes, some businesses and residents near the airport will likely see more aircraft overhead.
Communities to the north and south of the new runway, including some in neighboring York, Gaston and Lincoln counties, may see and hear more aircraft.
The runway is 32-years old, and has outlasted the average life span for concrete.
The project cost is $26.5 million and is funded through General Airport Revenue Bonds.
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