Press release:

The Port of Seattle is alerting area residents to two scheduled temporary closures of runways for pavement work this summer at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

During the closure, airport neighbors may notice increased noise associated with changes in runway use.

The closures will address ramp, taxiway and runway pavement improvements as well as the relocation of Federal Aviation Administration antennae.

The scheduled dates are May 14 – June 20 and July 20 – August 8.

The runway closure will not affect airline flight schedules or passengers.

All air traffic will be directed to the two open runways during the projects. Construction work will be done during daytime hours to reduce noise impacts to area neighborhoods during the evening.

The timing also takes advantage of construction season weather to reduce the total time of the closures.


May 14 – June 20 Closure Details 
Runway 16L-34R (the longest runway and closest to the terminal) will be closed during this period for taxiway and ramp pavement improvements as well the relocation of FAA Instrument Landing (ILS) Localizer antennas. These projects have been coordinated to proceed together to reduce the length of the closure.

July 20 – August 8 Closure Details
Runway 16C-34C will be closed during this period to replace deteriorating concrete surface panels. This work will allow the continued safe operation of the runway until full reconstruction slated for 2016. Approximately 19 panels will be replaced. This number represents less than one percent of the approximately 4,000 concrete panels that make up the center runway.

More Details
Runway 16C/34C was originally constructed in 1969, with a 20-year design life. The Port began a Runway Improvement Program in 1994 to rehabilitate and extend the useful life of the runway. More than 650 concrete panels have been replaced since the beginning of the program.

The cost of the project is anticipated to be approximately $662,000.