Runway Construction - Construction of CLT's third parallel runway is underway.  At 9,000 feet long, the new "third parallel" will allow three independent approaches for arrivals, automatically increasing air service by 33 percent.

Construction involves two phases. The first phase began in March and includes grading and drainage.  The second phase is scheduled to begin in Spring 2009. It will include paving and lighting of the runway.

The scheduled runway completion date is January 2010. The project is funded through federal grants, passenger facility charges and bond funds.

THE RUNWAY

The project began in early 2007 and will last 3 years.  The runway construction will be completed in two phases.

(I) Runway Phase I: Clearing and moving 9 million cubic yards of dirt and construction of associated drainage systems.

(I) Runway Phase II:  The second phase of the runway construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2009 and consists of paving and lighting for the 9,000 ft. runway.

The Federal Aviation Administration will also install navigational aids at the time.