Portland International Airport’s south runway is scheduled for rehabilitation beginning in 2011. Rehabilitation is complicated by a need to maintain existing air service at PDX by having at least one runway capable of serving the larger passenger and cargo aircraft that fly nonstop to international destinations. A recently completed runway analysis has concluded that damage to substructure joints in the south runway pavement will require a six-week minimum closure for necessary repairs. Unlike previous rehabilitations, when the runway has been shut down at night for construction work, our engineers’ analysis has determined that a full-time closure is necessary in order to repair the joints properly and ensure pavement integrity.
Currently, only the south runway at PDX is long enough (11,000 feet) to accommodate wide-body aircraft departures when fully loaded. This includes both passenger and cargo aircraft that regularly provide service to PDX (i.e., the MD-11, Boeing 747-400, and Airbus 330 & 340). In order to have one runway in operation to accommodate the larger aircraft using PDX, the Port is considering extending the north runway. We have completed a feasibility/justification study and environmental and noise bridge studies, both required by the Federal Aviation Administration, and necessary to provide additional information to consider before taking any next steps.
The Port has decided to move forward with the project and is currently in the beginning phases of design evaluation. Prior to final design a federally mandated environmental review under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is required. That environmental review is currently underway with public review anticipated for summer 2008.