On 5 January 2022, construction began on a major safety project at Long Beach Airport to improve the airfield for departing commercial aircraft.
The project will reconstruct the airport’s primary taxiway, Taxiway L, to ensure the airport meets the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The taxiway’s asphalt pavement is no longer fit for continued service and will be replaced with concrete pavement that has an anticipated service life of 40 years.
The 25 million USD project is primarily funded by FAA grants and will include focused sustainability efforts.
The taxiway’s lights and signage will be replaced with LED lights that have a longer life expectancy, lower energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs.
In addition, asphalt millings from the demolition of Taxiway L will be re-used as a base material for the taxiway’s new pavement. This sustainable use of resources will significantly reduce the amount of aggregate material that needs to be produced for the project, while also decreasing the number of dump truck trips made throughout construction.
In 2021, Long Beach Airport achieved a Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation emission reduction rating after fully electrifying all 11 commercial gates for ground service equipment, creating recycling and organic waste diversion programs, replacing old equipment with more energy efficient technology, and collaborating with Aeroplex/Aerolease on the largest solar energy project at the Airport.
The sustainability efforts implemented throughout the reconstruction of the airport’s taxiway therefore contribute to Long Beach Airport’s long term goal of being a sustainability leader among airports.
The construction will occur adjacent to the main runway, so Runway 12-30 will close nightly from 10pm until 6am until approximately August. Operations will therefore be moved to the parallel runway, Runway 8L-26R.
Due to the strict noise control ordinances in the area, commercial flights from Long Beach Airport are scheduled between 7am and 10pm. Operations between 10pm and 11pm are only permitted if delays occur due to weather, air traffic, or mechanical issues.
