FORT WORTH, Texas — This article was originally published by our content partners at the Dallas Business Journal. You can read the original article here.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is ahead of schedule on its long list of planned renovations.
The airport announced Oct. 11 the completion of a major overhaul on one of the largest of its seven runways. DFW completed the work on Runway 17R/35L in phases and reopened a shortened version of the runway in May. It opened the fully operational runway on Oct. 11, which it said was ahead of schedule.
The project was part of the airport’s $9 billion capital improvement plan.
The runway was completely reconstructed with a high density asphalt overlay. The project also included drainage installation and improvement and new lighting and signage.
More than 2,700 runway lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED fixtures. The airport also recycled more than 300,000 cubic yards of reclaimed concrete that were reused in the runway project and within other construction projects at DFW.
The runway is 13,400 feet long and 200 feet wide. No safety accidents were recorded during the renovation project.
"Today marks the successful completion of the largest runway rehabilitation in our airport's history, which was achieved ahead of schedule and with no recordable safety accidents thanks to our focus on delivering a safe and efficient project," Mohamed Charkas, executive vice president of infrastructure and development at the airport, said in a statement. "This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of all our partners and returns one of our busiest runways back into service ahead of the winter travel season."
The project was funded in part by a $45 million Airport Infrastructure Grant that the airport received through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Federal Aviation Administration.
Austin Bridge and Road Inc., part of Austin Industries, completed the runway rehabilitation, and design was done by AtkinsRéalis Group Inc.
DFW credited the FAA and American Airlines for the early completion of the project. Both allowed crews to work the full length of the runway while airline partners benefited from use of the shortened runway during the summer.
The full capital improvement plan, called “DFW Forward,” includes more than 180 projects. The airport plans to renovate Terminal C, build a sixth terminal, called Terminal F, and add other new facilities, terminals and roadways.
More than 82 million passengers came through DFW Airport in 2023 and nearly 90 million are anticipated this year.
