Construction on Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s 10-year infrastructure rehabilitation continues with the closure of one of its runways.
Runway 17R/35L—the third runway to be worked on as part of the rehabilitation program—fully closed the week of Aug. 15, according to a news release from the airport.
The overview
As part of the closure and impact analysis, airport staff released information regarding temporary noise impacts for nearby cities affected by aircraft noise. Based on the information from a city news release, it appears there will be "minimal temporary noise impacts" in Coppell.
During the rehabilitation of the 49-year-old runway, air traffic departing the airport will be spread out across the other three runways on the east airfield while shifting minimal traffic to the west side, the news release says. Runway 13R/31L, closest to Grapevine city limits, will have runaway usage past 11 p.m. for north and south air traffic flow because of the closure of Runway 17R/35L.
The runway is expected to be fully closed through summer 2024, based on the project timeline, with a full reopening likely occurring next fall. Prior to the closure, Runway 17R/35L handled about 50% of the airport’s daily departures.
The details
The rehabilitation of the runway spanning 13,400 feet will include several facets.
- Pavement reconstruction with an asphalt overlay
- Shoulder and blast pad pavement reconstruction
- Rehabilitation of the northeast and southeast holding pads
- Drainage improvements
- New electrical infrastructure
- Lighting and signage rehabilitation
- Deicing infrastructure rehabilitation
Per the airport’s new release, the goal of the project is to extend the structural life of the runway, reduce operational impacts and maintenance costs, and enhance current and future performance. The airport has also created a fact sheet for the project that details a timeline and modified air traffic flow during the closure.
