Newark runway reopens early
One of Newark Liberty International Airport’s main runways has reopened nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.
Runway 4L-22R is now fully operational, 13 days earlier than planned, after efforts by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to fast-track the works.
The runway closed in early March for resurfacing and upgrades, with an original completion date of 15 June. However, amid growing operational pressures at Newark due to air traffic controller shortages, the Port Authority accelerated the timeline by deploying additional crews, extending shifts and running 24-hour construction.
“Thank you to the Port Authority for their partnership and hard work in getting Newark’s runway rebuilt ahead of schedule. Great job,” said US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“As we approach the busy summer travel season, this key milestone puts us on a path to further reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
“With the runway completed, we’ll continue our work to harden the telecoms infrastructure and improving the staffing pipeline for the airspace.”
Governor Phil Murphy said: “I commend the crews who have worked tirelessly to get this critical project done ahead of schedule. I’m grateful for New Jersey’s partnership with the Port Authority and the FAA as we work to return to full capacity at Newark Airport.
“New Jersey will do all we can to support plans from the USDOT to invest in modernising our air traffic control system and fully staffing our air traffic controllers.”
The project upgrades Runway 4L-22R to current Federal Aviation Administration safety and design standards. Work included resurfacing the 11,000-foot runway, upgrading to LED lighting, installing new signage, laying underground electrical systems and improving drainage. The last rehabilitation of this runway was completed in 2014 and it had shown significant signs of wear.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said: “Completing this major portion of the runway rehabilitation 13 days ahead of schedule is a testament to the extraordinary commitment and around-the-clock efforts of construction crews and our airport staff. The Port Authority has invested billions to modernize Newark Liberty and we appreciate the FAA’s commitment to recruiting and training new air traffic controllers and overhauling the technology that underpins our aviation industry.”
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton added: “Work on this runway began in early March with a scheduled completion date of June 15. As other issues have arisen related to Newark Liberty’s capacity, the Port Authority took on the challenge to speed up the construction. We are pleased to be able to return the runway nearly two weeks ahead of schedule without compromising safety and quality. We continue to do all that we can to support USDOT and the FAA as they advance critically needed investments to remedy decades of underinvestment to achieve a fully staffed and modern federal air traffic system as quickly, transparently, and effectively as possible.”
Although the main construction phase is now complete, additional runway closures are scheduled on weeknights through to the end of the year and on weekends from September through to December to finalise the remaining elements of the work.
Runways 4R-22L and 11-29 remain available and operational throughout these periods, weather permitting.
The Port Authority began planning for the project over a year ago, coordinating with the FAA and airlines to reduce the operational impact. This included adjusting flight schedules and ensuring sufficient air traffic control coverage for the two remaining runways. When the FAA encountered further staffing issues earlier this year, the Port Authority responded by reallocating resources from other projects, expanding shift coverage and boosting asphalt production by activating a second plant.
Newark Liberty’s other main runway, 4R-22L, was rehabilitated in 2021 during a 60-day full closure.
The early reopening of Runway 4L-22R forms part of the Port Authority’s wider investment in Newark Liberty, which includes runway and taxiway improvements, the launch of the new Terminal A in 2023, ongoing development of a modernised AirTrain Newark, and the 2024 unveiling of the EWR Vision Plan.
