BROWARD COUNTY, FL – In the coming weeks both runways at Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) will be closed at different times for maintenance and reconstruction. The South Runway will close for three days beginning Monday, May 20, 2019, at 10PM for repairs and maintenance and will reopen on Friday, May 24 at 6AM. During this period all aircraft will use the North Runway, FLL's primary and oldest runway.
North Runway Closure for Major Reconstruction
On Monday, June 3, the North Runway will close at midnight for up to four months as part of a $90 million rehabilitation project that will include rebuilding and resurfacing the runway and associated taxiways. Portions of the runway date back to 1943 when the U.S. Navy built it during World War II for the Fort Lauderdale Naval Training Base. The last significant improvements to the North Runway were made in 2004, more than 15 years ago. During the reconstruction activity, all flights will operate on the South Runway.
The rehabilitation work will include replacing the runway's 75-foot center portion with concrete to extend its life 30 plus years; repaving of the runway's shoulders with asphalt as well as electrical and signage systems upgrades. Drainage enhancements will help dissipate water from the runway and surrounding area during heavy rainfall.
Additionally, taxiway upgrades will feature more modern and efficient designs. The Federal Aviation Administration will update runway status lights during the construction activity. The rehabilitation project, led by General Asphalt Co., will employ approximately 150-200 construction workers.
Historically, the North Runway handles approximately 70 percent of flight operations at FLL. During its closure, residents east and west of the South Runway may experience increased noise. This situation, however, will return to normal conditions once the North Runway reopens.
Ron Gardner Viewing Area Temporary Closure
Please note, the Ron Gardner Aircraft Viewing Area on the southwestern side of the North Runway will be closed to the public Wednesday, May 15 through late September. It will be used to stage construction equipment and as a temporary concrete plant.
Preliminary taxiway construction, which started in late March, is currently underway on the North Runway. Media interested in a tour of the taxiway upgrades should contact the Airport's Public Information Officer Greg Meyer.
For North Runway updates, visit the project's dedicated page on the airport's website.
About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
The Aviation Department is a self-supporting department of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. It does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. The Airport is currently ranked 19th in the United States in total passenger traffic and 14th in domestic origin and destination passengers. With more than 350 departures a day, the Airport offers nonstop service to more than 75 U.S. cities and global connectivity to more than 60 international destinations in 33 countries. The Aviation Department also operates the North Perry Airport, a general aviation airport for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or visit fll.net.
DATE: May 9, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Greg Meyer, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
PHONE: 954-359-6116
EMAIL: gmeyer@broward.org