With summer officially here, neighbors near the third runway may hear added jet noise, as the second runway of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will be closed for concrete panel replacement from July 12 to Sept. 10.
The first runway was shut down last summer as the paving was replaced.

All air traffic will be directed to the outer two runways during the second runway project. Construction work will be done during daytime hours to reduce noise impacts to area neighborhoods during the evening, Port officials noted.

Port staffers said most departures are expected to be on the runway closest to the terminal and most arrivals on the third runway
The 60-day project will replace deteriorating concrete surface panels on runway 16C/34C to allow the continued safe operation of the runway until full reconstruction slated in 2016.

Approximately 150 panels will be replaced to address degradation such as the cracking, spalling, and faulting that can result in concrete debris breaking loose and threatening aircraft.

This number represents less than four percent of the approximately 4,000 concrete panels that make up the center runway. 
 
Runway 16C/34C was originally constructed in 1969, with a 20-year design life.
The Port began a Runway Improvement Program in 1993 to rehabilitate and extend the useful life of the runway. More than 400 concrete panels have been replaced since the beginning of the program. 


The cost of the project is anticipated to be completed at less than the projected budget of $5.65 million due to lower construction bids. 
 


Finish work, such as striping and pavement sawing, is scheduled to occur during overnight hours up to two weeks after the runway reopens. This low impact finish work will not require daytime closure of the runway.

The runway closure will not affect airline flight schedules or passengers, Port officials