On May 31, 2012 a significant milestone was reached when runway 1/19 was commissioned by MWAA and the FAA. The runway now operates in a new configuration that maintains compliance with FAA runway safety area standards. 300 feet of new runway pavement and an extended hold block have been added at the south end of the runway. The commissioning included new FAA glideslope navigation equipment. Flights will continue to operate as they have in the past, and passengers should not notice any major changes during takeoff or landing.

As part of this project the main north-south runway, Runway 1/19, was completely milled and re-surfaced for the first time since 1990. The runway centerline and touchdown zone lighting systems were also replaced with new equipment. Installation of a new approach lighting system will continue through the Summer. Overnight runway closures between 1:10 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. will continue periodically to accommodate work crews.

Note: Overnight pile driving related to this project (click here for original press release) is complete.

To track flights to or from the airport, Click here to visit the Aircraft Noise and Flight Tracking webpage.

The Airports Authority has been working closely with the airlines serving Reagan National during these important projects to ensure smooth operations during the nightly runway closures.

Some major components of the Runway 1/19 improvement project include:

• Replacing the Runway 1/19 centerline lighting system and Runway 1 touchdown zone lighting system (completed)
• Milling and re-surfacing the entire 6,869-foot asphalt runway (completed)
• Milling and re-surfacing taxiway intersections along Runway 1/19 (completed)
• Increasing runway safety areas to maintain compliance with FAA regulations (completed May 31, 2012)
• Replacing the runway approach light pier in the Potomac River (completed)
• Replacing the runway approach light system (to be completed during Summer 2012)