FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 20 -- Broward County has issued the following news release:
FLL SOUTH RUNWAY CLOSURE UPDATE
In preparation for the South Runway Expansion Project, the existing South Runway (9R27L), which primarily handles general aviation aircraft, officially closed Tuesday, April 17, 2012.
The long-term closure will have limited impact to passengers on commercial airlines. Smaller general aviation and commuter aircraft, that formerly used the South Runway, will operate on one of the airports other two runways. During periods of heavy demand, typically from 10 am to 3 pm, aircraft are being directed by Air Traffic Control to use the Crosswind Runway primarily for arrivals and the North Runway for departures. This activity should slow down significantly as we approach the summer months.
The Crosswind Runway is scheduled to be decommissioned in early 2013.
The South Runway was closed in preparation for construction associated with the South Runway Expansion. The project involves the installation of structures over Federal Highway and the FEC railroad tracks. The new South Runway is scheduled to open in late 2014.
48-HOUR CLOSURE OF NORTH RUNWAY MAY 1 WILL CAUSE ALL AIRPORT OPERATIONS TO USE THE DIAGONAL RUNWAY
The main runway (9L-27R) at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will close for repairs from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1 through 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 3. During this 48-hour closure, all flights will use the Crosswind Runway (13-31) for departures and arrivals.
A section of the runway and high speed exit has deteriorated. The runway surface requires extensive repairs that will entail a full closure of the runway for 48 hours. Construction crews will remove 5,340 square yards of damaged asphalt and replace it with new asphalt. The work requires sufficient time for the asphalt to cool and harden so it can withstand the weight of commercial airplanes.
With all flights using the Crosswind Runway during the 48-hour period, residents living in northeast Dania Beach and southwest Fort Lauderdale will notice an increase in aircraft operations over their communities.
The Broward County Aviation Department is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and FLL's Air Traffic Control management to minimize the impact to our neighboring communities.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on Twitter@http://twitter.com/#!/fllflyer, or visit www.fll.net.
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