The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has finished the bulk of major repair work ahead of a 60-day schedule on one of Newark Liberty International Airport's major runways, allowing a resumption of flights on typical patterns at New Jersey's busiest airport.
Runway 4L-22R reopened as a shortened runway two days ago, following 55 days of rehabilitative work started on April 1 that included repaving, improving taxiways to get planes on and off the runway faster and overhauling lighting and electrical systems. The reopening means both of the airport's main north-south runways are back in service.
Work will continue through mid-June on the northern section of Runway 4L-22R and the infrequently utilized Runway 11-29. Runway 11-29, which runs in an east-west configuration, had seen significantly more flights during the work schedule than typical, resulting in more planes and more noise than usual over communities in Jersey City, Bayonne and Staten Island.
The $97.3 million project is creating more than 500 jobs and approximately $152 million in regional economic activity.
“Opening Newark's primary departure runway ahead of schedule is a testament to the planning and implementation of the work by the Port Authority's aviation staff and our contractors,” said Thomas Bosco, the agency's aviation director. “Port Authority staff recognize the inconvenience this important project caused to our customers, and they made sure the initiative went as smoothly as possible. We are gratified to be able to reopen the runway nearly a week early.”
In addition to the work that lasts until mid-June, Runway 4L-22R also will need to reclose for 10 days beginning Sept. 20 to ensure final items on the work schedule are completed.
Serving more than 35 million fliers annually, Newark Liberty International Airport is a vital economic engine for the bistate region, supporting more than 156,000 jobs, $8 billion in wages and generating more than $22 billion annually in sales activity. Through extensive cooperation and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines operating at Newark Liberty, the Port Authority was able to stage the work to minimize the impact on airport operations, the traveling public and airport neighbors.
