Major runway repairs at Pearson Airport in Mississauga are halfway done
Published August 22, 2022 at 1:26 pm
One of the biggest runway rehabilitation projects in the history of Pearson Airport in Mississauga is now about halfway complete.
The massive undertaking, which saw the airport’s second-busiest runway shut down in early April for much-needed upgrades, is in the midst of the phase 2 portion (there are three phases) of the project, according to an online update prepared by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).
The GTAA, which runs Pearson, says “significant progress” has been made to date and that phase 2 will continue until mid-September. The third and final phase of work will take place from that point until mid-November’s anticipated completion.
Current work is focusing on the middle portion of Runway 06L/24R, a three-kilometre-long east-west landing strip that was built in the 1960s and is in desperate need of upgrades to ensure aircraft and passenger safety.
It includes a “full-depth replacement and lighting upgrade of runway and adjacent taxiways,” the GTAA says.
While this work is being completed, residential neighbourhoods to the north, south, east and west of Pearson can expect a “noticeable increase in aircraft overhead.”
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Diagram shows the different phases of work on the runway. (Image: GTAA)
Phase 1 of the project focused on the west end of the runway, while the final phase will concentrate on the east end of the landing strip.
Pearson Airport shut down its second-busiest runway on April 4 for the major repairs. The wearing down of its concrete sub-structure due to weather conditions, use and time made repairs to the aging landing strip necessary.
The airport adds that the extensive work to be completed will “ensure the continued safe operation of the airport, and consequently the safety of passengers, employees and the communities we serve.”
According to the GTAA, the project will extend the life of the runway by 30 years and enhance safety of the strip as well.
The bonus, officials say, is the positive impact related to the environment. The runway overhaul is also expected to help the airport reduce its carbon footprint.
The GTAA says “modern innovation and advanced planning will allow Pearson to complete the project in eight months, and with a more sustainable approach.”
Furthermore, “the project will include the use of recycled materials and upgrades to 1,800 LED lights, which will help enhance safety and reduce its carbon footprint,” the GTAA said in an earlier statement. “Other environmentally friendly construction practices include using crushed concrete from the runway pavement removal for the sub-base and base materials, and recycled milling asphalt materials on approach roads in the vicinity of the runway.”
At the project’s official groundbreaking on April 25, GTAA president and CEO Deborah Flint said the undertaking is about building essential infrastructure needed for the economy of the region, the province and Canada.
As work continues on the runway rehabilitation project, travelers and area residents can expect some delays, disruptions and added aircraft noise.
And while scheduled flights will not be impacted by the runway closure, passengers may notice an increase in runway taxi times or longer waits at their gates.
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