Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) has completed the full reconstruction of Runway 13R/31L.
Runway 13R/31L is Dallas Love Field’s primary runway for commercial operations. It reached the end of its useful life after traffic dramatically increased upon the expiration of the Wright Amendment in 2014, which governed traffic at DAL to protect Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from competition.
Multi-year design and pre-construction phases were completed before construction commenced in spring 2021. The runway then reopened to aircraft traffic on 28 June 2022 following a 14-month closure.
Throughout the closure, all Dallas Love Field airport traffic operated on Runway 13L/31R. During this time, the airport did receive a slight increase in noise complaints, despite conducting an Environmental Assessment in 2019 that resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact.
Mark Duebner, Director of Aviation said:It is no secret that this project faced many challenges, from ice storms to supply and labor shortages stemming from the pandemic. But we are extremely grateful to our partners and construction teams for joining us in our commitment to ensure the operational safety and efficiency of the Dallas Love Field airfield. And to our community members, we appreciate your patience during the duration of this project.
Additional upgrades will now continue to further improve operations. These upgrades include connector taxiways, an improved storm drainage system, and high-efficiency LED lighting systems to reduce airfield inefficiencies. All improvements are expected to be complete by October 2022.
