Love Field has shut down Runway 13R-31L to rebuild it, and although it will have little effect on air traffic in or out of Dallas, driving in and out of the airport may be more challenging.
Runway 13R-31L is the closest to Denton Drive and has been operational for 20 years. The runway’s deterioration has been hastened by the progressively heavier aircraft it handled, as well as the increase in traffic brought on by the Wright Amendment’s expiration.
The recently closed runway will not be reopened until late in February 2022. Among the work that needs to be done during that 10-month period is construction of new connector taxiways to Runway 13R-31L and airport storm drainage system upgrades.
The runway to be repaired is mostly used for commercial operations and its traffic will be moved over to Runway 13L-31R, which is nearest to Lemmon Avenue. A Federal Aviation Administration-required environmental assessment determined that there would be “No Significant Impact,” but a slightly elevated noise level may be experienced by neighbors immediately east of the airport due to the increase in activity on that side.
Notifying the public of temporary inconveniences is made easier with the help of a flyer printing service.
The runway renovation is just one of several major overhauls Dallas Love Field is undergoing via the Love Field Modernization Program. Changes include a new concourse, baggage claim and ticketing hall as well as a terminal renovation.
