Dallas Love Field runway closes for safety upgrades
Travelers could see some delays at Dallas Love Field Airport due to construction. The airport is closing down one of its two runways for the next few months.
Runway 13R-31L is the main commercial air carrier runway at Love Field.
A weeks-long closure will allow crew members to make changes and install drainage infrastructure along the taxiway side of the runway.
Vincent Lewis is the interim assistant director of infrastructure and development.
The runway was built in the 1960s, so a reconstruction is needed.
For the next 85 days or so, all flights in and out of Love Field will take off from one runway.
Passengers are being told to expect some slight delays.
"Just taxiing. So as you taxied towards the runway, since we only have one that's operational, it'll be a queue line," Lewis explained. "So it may be you may be seen in the taxi line a little bit longer than typical."
Once complete, the new runway will include another mile of aircraft pavement.
It will also add 387 LED taxi lights and miles of new underground wiring.
Lewis says the airport has been working with Southwest, Delta and Alaska airlines to try and keep delays to a minimum.
"It's called an adventure; that's how I feel," Lewis said. "Whatever we do, it's an adventure."
Once the project is complete, the runway will meet design guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Dallas Love Field Airport adds new technology to avoid close calls on the runway
As of this weekend, Dallas Love Field is one of four airports in the nation equipped with the new SAI system, which displays surface traffic to controllers to help prevent close calls on the runway.
The closure starts on Monday and will last 85 days. Crews hope to complete it by Oct. 29.
People traveling through Love Field are encouraged to check their flight status for any delays.