Reno-Tahoe International Airport Begins Phase I of Runway Project

Aug. 6, 2019

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) has closed Runway 16L-34R through November 15, 2019, for Phase I of a three year runway upgrade program. Runway 16L-34R is the 9,000 ft. north/south runway located on the east side of the airfield and is one of three runways at RNO.

Phase I’s $16 million commitment will mostly be covered by a $14.5 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant which provides funding for runway reconstruction to enhance airport operational safety. In total, the current project will employ approximately 160 construction workers.

“Safety is of paramount importance and the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority’s number one priority,” said Marily Mora, President and CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). “With the help of the FAA, these needed improvements will prepare us well for the record passenger traffic we’ve experienced and anticipate for years to come.”

RNO’s 11,000 ft. primary runway (16R-34L) will remain open, along with the crosswind east/west runway (RWY 7-25). No significant impact on operations is expected from the temporary runway closure. However, noise from aircraft will shift slightly for the duration of the project. Nearby residents may also notice noise from the construction activity.

Traffic typically scheduled for the closed runway, such as general aviation and military aircraft, will be integrated into landing and takeoff slots on RNO’s primary runway. The crosswind east/west runway may also be utilized more frequently.

The RTAA staff has extensive experience overseeing runway projects while simultaneously coordinating the many activities of an operating airport. Airlines, tenants and pilots have been advised of the project’s scope for the past year.