Kennedy's 13R-31L Slated For Construction Work

At more than 2.75 miles long, the runway is the second longest in the nation, and it handled more than 143,000 operations last year. But New York Port Authority officials say it has to be closed at least four months for construction, and there is just no way around it.

Never mind that Kennedy Airport consistently ranks at the top of the nation for delays in the best of times.

"The scope of the project is truly enormous," said William DeCota, director of aviation for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the New York Area's three primary airports. "It provides for the replacement of almost three miles of asphalt pavement."

According to Newsday, the port authority has asked airlines to adjust their schedules during the construction period, and ATC will have to adjust traffic patterns, so it is inevitable delays will increase. FAA Spokeswoman Arlene Salac told Newsday it is unlikely that airlines will shift flights to other area airports.

The last major construction work on 13R-31L was done in 1993. This project will begin this month and not fully completed until November 2011, but the runway is expected to be closed between March 1st and June 29th of next year, according to The Port Authorities DeCota. The current asphalt surface will be removed and replaced with concrete. "It's important for our contractor to get this done on the schedule it has to be done," DeCota told Newsday.

The Air Transport Association said it is considering options for its member airlines that would help reduce expected delays during construction.

FMI: www.panynj.gov