Operations Return to Normal Following Two Weeks of Runway Construction
Oakland, CA – (September 26, 2017): The main commercial air carrier runway at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) has re-opened following two full weeks of around-the-clock construction. The $67 million project replaced 8,300 feet of asphalt to provide a new operating surface for aircraft.
[For B-roll of construction and the first flight operations on the new runway, CLICK HERE.]
As Runway 12-30 is typically in service 24-hours per day, Port of Oakland staff conducted an extensive planning process with its air carriers, the FAA, and other stakeholders to develop a preferred short-duration, full-closure option to minimize impacts to aircraft operations.
In June, OAK received a $37 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to rehabilitate the runway. Additional grant funds were received last year. The funds were provided via the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which allocates federal funding to US airports.
A portion of the FAA funding was used to convert an existing taxiway into a temporary alternate runway, so that OAK’s flight operations could be maintained during the Runway 12-30 rehabilitation activities.
“We are so pleased to have re-opened the Airport’s main runway following an immense amount of planning, collaboration, coordination, and effort to execute this critical project,” said Bryant L. Francis, Port of Oakland Director of Aviation. “This important project will ensure that our runway remains functional and safe for all users for many years to come.”
The Port of Oakland also conducted outreach efforts to local residents to be impacted by noise caused by the rerouting of aircraft during construction, and distributed over 600 movie tickets and Oakland A’s tickets to airport neighbors over the last two weeks.
Runway 12-30’s last pavement overlay occurred in 2001.
ABOUT OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 12 million travelers annually, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top business and tourism venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.
Oakland’s air service roster to over 50 destinations is scheduled on 13 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.
The vision of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront.
Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.
For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.iflyoak.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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