PANYNJ approves $54m LaGuardia Airport runway project

Rehabilitation work on the 7,000-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway is expected to take place during nightly airport closures and extended weekend closures to minimize the impact on operations, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

   The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a $54.4 million project to rehabilitate a runway and associated taxiways at LaGuardia Airport, the port authority said in a statement.
   The project aims to extend the useful life of the runway and taxiways, as well as ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards. The project includes the milling and asphalt concrete overlay of Runway 4-22 and its associated taxiways, as well as new pavement markings, guidance signs and the replacement and upgrade of runway and taxiway lighting systems in accordance with FAA requirements.
   The rehabilitation of Runway 4-22, according to the Port Authority, will extend the useful life of the runway, enhance safety and reduce delays.
   “Continued investment in LaGuardia’s infrastructure is necessary to maintain operational safety and achieve higher levels of efficiency,” Port Authority Chairman John Degnan said.
   Work on the 7,000-foot-long, 150-foot-wide runway is expected to take place during nightly airport closures and extended weekend runway closures to minimize the impact on aeronautical operations.
   LaGuardia specializes in short- and medium-haul cargo services. In 2016, the airport handled over 7,500 tons of air cargo.
   “This investment is part and parcel of our significant investment to redevelop LaGuardia Airport and ensure that it can accommodate continued passenger growth,” Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said.
   Work is expected to begin in August, with completion anticipated in 2021.