Updated: September 20, 2019 Published: September 20, 2019
A Cargolux Boeing 747-8F taxis across Runway 15-33 at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as construction nears completion on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019.
After two seasons of work, construction on Runway 15-33, the north-south runway at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, is nearing completion.
The runway has been closed the entire summer, since April 1, for widening of the runway from 150 to 200 feet to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747-8F.
The FAA will begin flight tests of the instrument landing system, new approach lights and visual glide slope indicators early next week.
The airport plans to reopen the north-south runway in early October after the two-year $100 million renewal project.
Completion of the project will mean a big reduction of jets taking off to the east over the city.
In 2018, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport set a record with over 5.6 million passengers for the year and was ranked the fifth-busiest cargo airport in the world, according to an airport statement.
Douglas Duff of Pacific Asphalt paints touchdown zone markings on Runway 15-33, the north-south runway at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as construction nears completion on Thursday.
A crew from McKenna Brothers Paving works on a taxiway as construction work on Runway 15-33, the north-south runway at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport nears completion.
Douglas Duff of Pacific Asphalt paints runway markings as construction work on Runway 15-33, the north-south runway at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport winds down.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 taxis past Boeing 747 freighters before departure from Ted Stevens Anchorage International on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. Last year, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport set a record with over 5.6 million passengers and was ranked the 5th busiest cargo airport in the world. (Bill Roth / ADN)