The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported completion of a $400 million modernization project at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The agency announced on Sept. 28 that all four of JFK's runways are now in full use for the first time since a major portion of rehabilitative work commenced on the more than two-mile-long Runway 4Left-22Right. The project is designed to increase the runway surface's lifespan, help reduce delays and enhance safety.
"The Port Authority is committed to modernizing its airport system, from building state-of-art 21st century terminals to post-Sandy resiliency initiatives to on-airfield upgrades to move planes faster while enhancing safety measures,'' Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said in a statement.
The runway's base was replaced with an concrete surface, which has a lifetime of up to 40 years. The asphalt surface, which previously lined the runway has a typical lifespan of 10 years, according to airport officials.
The Port Authority estimates that the project will mean the creation of more than 2,460 jobs, $146.9 million in wages and $712.3 million in economic activity. JFK Airport serves more than 54 million passengers annually.
