Update on PDX South Runway Improvements

An update on the reconstruction work taking place at PDX International Airport:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (March 30, 2011) - PDX begins final runway improvements

April 4th

Portland International Airport neighbors should expect some changes when construction resumes April 4, beginning the completion of major runway improvements.

The work is the third and final phase of a three-year runway rehabilitation program that continues through early October. This phase will completely reconstruct the airport's south runway, worn by years of aircraft use. In 2009, the Port of Portland rehabilitated the north runway, and in 2010, extended the north runway from the former 8,000 feet to 9,825 feet. The longer runway is now capable of accommodating the larger aircraft departures when the south runway closes for reconstruction, keeping the airport fully operational.

Increased flights over some airport neighborhoods are expected during the south runway reconstruction, because many aircraft that would normally use the south runway will now temporarily use the north or crosswind runways. In particular, the increased use of the crosswind runway will increase the number of flights over neighborhoods south of the airport.

Increased use of the crosswind runway is necessary, because the north runway alone cannot accommodate all PDX flights when the south runway closes. Furthermore, the location of some airline operations on the south side of the airport will mean that the crosswind runway will see use by larger-than-usual passenger propeller aircraft to prevent taxiway gridlock leading to the north runway.

"While we've tried to design our runway projects in a way that helps limit aircraft noise impacts on our neighbors, we greatly appreciate their patience during this vital construction work," said Steve Schreiber, Port aviation director.

A partial opening of the south runway is planned for six weeks of the project from approximately mid-July to the end of August. The change will facilitate aircraft movements during the reconstruction of the intersection of the south and crosswind runways. Closure of the crosswind runway at that time will ease related aircraft noise impacts. To limit aircraft noise impacts at other times during the project when the crosswind runway is open, jet use of the crosswind runway will remain restricted to times when wind or other operational conditions require; and late-night propeller aircraft will use the north runway when possible.

Like the last two construction seasons for the north runway, many activities involving the Port and the PDX Citizen Noise Advisory Committee are planned this year to let the community know about the south runway reconstruction, temporary flight changes and expected aircraft noise impacts.

Information sharing venues will include www.pdx.com, e-mail notifications, advertising, postcards to airport neighbors, neighborhood meetings, large community events, Port and neighborhood publications, letters to new area residents, Facebook and Twitter.

Additional south runway information

· Project questions, concerns-Art Spillman, 503.415.6133, art.spillman@portofportland.com
· Aircraft noise, overflights-Noise Hotline, 503.460.4100/800.938.6647,pdxnoise@portofportland.com

· Event information, or to schedule a presentation-Brooke Berglund, 503.415.6532,brooke.berglund@portofportland.com
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-Dustin