A main runway (4L/22R) at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was reopened yesterday, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. The planned $121 million project began in early March and was scheduled to be finished on June 15.
The runway’s closing and renovation occurred when the airport faced several critical issues, including an air traffic controller shortage and communication outages. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduced the number of flights in and out of Newark.
The issues prompted Governor Phil Murphy to send a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding recent delays and cancellations of flights that impacted thousands.
On Monday, Transportation Secretary Duffy held a press conference at EWR and was joined by FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, Port Authority Aviation Director Sarah McKeon, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-R-07).
“This is my airport,” said Duffy. “I fly out of Newark, and I think a lot of people were frustrated by the fact that they were booking flights and because of the issues we’re having, their flights were hours delayed and maybe even cancelled. All of the airlines came together with the FAA’s leadership and United, being the biggest provider, biggest airline here at Newark … to make sure that as a team we address the problems that exist at Newark.”
“It was no easy feat to get here. It took around-the-clock work. Literally seven days a week of people, multiple crews paving, milling, electricians, Port Authority aviation operations, maintenance and engineering staff to make this happen,” said McKeon. “Thank you to all of you for your dedication and hard work over the last several weeks. We look forward to continuing to support the FAA and the Department of Transportation in their efforts to address the staffing and technology challenges that remain to restore Newark to its full operational capacity and potential.”
“Let me echo … true appreciation for the collaboration that went into this, particularly with the Port Authority today. We are actually using the new runway today for departures, and that’s a big deal — way ahead of schedule, and certainly contributing to a safe and efficient operation,” said Rocheleau. “I am very proud of the work we have done in collaboration, particularly the FAA technical operations and controllers. As the secretary talks about, there is a lot of work to be done, but we are in there every day. They care about the safety of the system, that is job No. 1 for us.”
“If New Jersey, the region and the United States are going to be successful, Newark Airport has to be open. It’s that simple, and this great partnership that came in 13 days early is going to be a real benefit and a real focus for other airports to follow their lead. The Port Authority did a phenomenal job. The FAA, DOT did extraordinary jobs,” noted Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-R-07).
“The level of engagement that you see here today is unprecedented in my career,” said Kirby. “The level of support and partnership that we have had is a testament to trying to be partners and try to make the airspace and airport not only safe but work for customers around the country.”
The project included milling and paving the runway surface, updating lighting, improving airfield signs with LED lighting, installing new underground electrical infrastructure and implementing drainage improvements.
