Boston Logan International Airport Annual Maintenance Program Includes Runway Resurfacing
Regular maintenance ensures airfield safety
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced the start of the 2009 annual airfield maintenance program at Boston Logan International Airport. Massport annually engages in regular maintenance of Boston Logan's airfield to ensure runways and taxiways are safe and operational in all weather conditions. This year's program includes the completion of the Centerfield Taxiway (Taxiway Mike), extension of Taxiway Delta and the installation of Runway Status Lights. These projects are part of Massport's comprehensive program to enhance airfield safety.
Starting in July and running through late November, Runway 9-27 will close periodically for re-surfacing. During the periodic runway closures, and depending on wind and weather conditions, other runway configurations will be used to safely accommodate operations. As a result, residents from neighboring communities may experience an increase or decrease in the number of over flights during the project. Certain construction activities will occur at night and on weekends with multiple weekend closures expected (some extended into Tuesday mornings), subject to weather and operational conditions.
Runway 9-27 resurfacing includes the use of so-called "warm mix"™ asphalt which is heated to between 250 and 275 degrees, some 75 to 50 degrees less than traditional "hot mix" asphalt. Boston Logan is the first airport in the nation to use the more environmentally friendly pavement that is made up of approximately 18 percent recycled content. Last fall, Massport repaved the outer 37.5 feet on each edge of the 150 foot wide Runway 4R/22L with "warm mix"™ resulting in the reduction of nearly 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide, the savings of about 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel, and produced an energy savings of about 26.4 billion BTUs.
All project activities will take place on Boston Logan's airfield and Massport will work closely with contractors to reduce noise and other construction impacts on nearby communities. Construction vehicles will also use designated highway routes.
For information on specific changes in runway usage, please call Massport's Noise Complaint Line at 617-561-3333 during Noise Abatement Office hours of Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Noise Complaint Line will continue to be available to receive noise complaints 24 hours per day, seven days per week. For general information on these projects, please call Massport’s Office of Government and Community Affairs at 617-568-3711 during regular business hours.
Each year, Massport makes a significant contribution in lieu of property taxes (PILOT) to the City of Boston. In fiscal year 2009, Massport contributed $16 million, a 3 percent increase over fiscal year 2008. Along with PILOT payments, the City of Boston also receives nearly $45 million in other fees and surcharges from the Authority. In addition, Massport makes significant PILOT payments to the City of Chelsea and the Town of Winthrop. In fiscal year 2009, Massport contributed $450,000 in PILOT payments to the Town of Winthrop. Massport also contributes to youth programs including summer employment, sponsors local charities and nearly 22 percent of Massport's workforce resides in communities in close proximity to Massport operations.
Boston Logan serves as the gateway to the New England region and offers nonstop service to 71 domestic and 31 international destinations and in 2008 handled 26.1 million passengers. Boston Logan is the Air Line Pilot Association's Airport of the Year for 2008 because its commitment to safety. Over the past decade, more than $4.4 billion has been spent building new terminals, parking facilities including a cell phone lot, roadways, airfield improvements and airport concessions, all of which has transformed the airport into a world-class 21st Century facility and the airport of choice for all of New England.