JFK is tackling delays with the reconstruction of Bay Runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Once completed, this project will reduce delays overall by an estimated 10,500 hours per year.
Beginning March 1, 2010 one of the four runways at JFK will be closed for construction for 120 days; however this project should not impact travel significantly. The Port Authority in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airlines began in 2006 we have worked closely minimize the impact on airport operations when the runway is closed.
The new concrete runway will have an anticipated life of more than 40 years, compared to an 8-year service life for asphalt. The project willl upgrade JFK’s airside infrastructure, widen and replace nearly three miles of runway. A central component of the Bay Runway reconstruction is the widening of the runway from 150 to 200 feet to make way for new delay-reduction taxiways. The new taxiways will improve aircraft queuing and enable swifter departures; and easier access from taxiways to terminal gates, saving time on the ground for every passenger at JFK.
During the 120-day closure of the Bay Runway, three remaining runways will remain.