In April 2019, Runway 13/31 was closed for extensive rehabilitation. After more than 20 weeks of work by our airfield experts, the runway is ready to return to operation September 14.
Reconstructing a runway is no simple task. Here are just a few facts about the project:
• 6458m2 of concrete was used
• The runway is 60.96m wide and 2651.4m long
• In some places they dug up to 3m deep
• There are about 200 runway lights on 13/31
• Over 85 000m of electrical cable installed
• 69, 000 tonnes of hot mix asphalt
To answer some of the most common questions, here are some FAQs:
What work was completed?
On April 22, 2019, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport temporarily closed one of its two runways (Runway 13/31) in order to restore and enhance it. The work included significant pavement repairs and drainage restoration.
Why was this work being done?
Runways across Canada act as major roads for aircraft and like city roads, they deteriorate over time. Airport runways are not only held to higher standards, but they also endure harsher environments because safety concerns require them to be clear at all times. That means more chemicals, more salt and more cleaning machinery are part of its regular load.
With the work now completed, the runway will be fully operational and improved for continual use over the next 12-15 years.
Now that the work is completed, are there any impacts?
With the construction completed, air traffic will return to pre-construction flight paths which will affect some communities.
The following neighbourhoods in the Runway 13/31 flight path will see a return to pre-construction air traffic:
• Fort Garry-Riverview
• Fort Richmond
• Fort Rouge (west)
• Fort Whyte (northeast)
• Headingley
• Riel
• River Heights
• Seine River
• Southdale
• St. François-Xavier
• St. James (east)
• St. Vital
• Tuxedo (east)
• Wolseley (west)
The following neighbourhoods in the Runway 18/36 flight path will see a reduction in overhead air traffic:
• Assiniboia (east)
• Charleswood
• Kirkfield Park (east)
• The Maples (west)
• Roblin Park (east)
• Rosser (east)
• St. James (west)
• Stonewall
• Tuxedo (west)
• Tyndall Park (west)
All regular noise abatement procedures remain in effect for both runways.
Will you be doing the other runway in the future?
We will continue to notify our community of any impending construction projects at the airport.
What does the airport do to reduce noise for neighbouring communities?
The best way to reduce noise is through good land-use planning. The airport works closely with the City to ensure development around the airport protects citizens and airport operations. The Airport Vicinity Protection Area (AVPA) Plan is an important tool that lays out where residential development makes sense, and where it shouldn't be located.
The airport also has a program to reduce noise disturbances. The Aeronautical Noise Management Program is overseen by the federal Minister of Transport, and sets noise certification requirements for all jet aircrafts in consultation with the international community.
We will continue implementing noise abatement procedures for departure and arrival altitudes, nighttime operating restrictions and more in order to reduce impacts. However, if you experience any extraordinary noise disturbances, please call the 24-Hour Noise Line: 204.987.9403 or email construction@waa.ca.
Where can I learn more?
Visit waa.ca or you can reach us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more and stay up to date on travel alerts on how the airport is changing and growing in order to better serve the community.
