The shorter of Green Airport’s two runways – Runway 16/34 – will close in September for more than $21 million in what the Rhode Island Airport Corporation is describing as “rehabilitation” and “upgrades.” But it will not be longer than its current span.

Work to the secondary or crosswind runway is not expected to disrupt airport operations, although it will mean greater use of the main 8,700-foot 5/23 Runway with approaches and departures over neighborhoods south and north of the airport.

However, as noted in a release issued last week, RIAC traffic at the airport is expected to remain well below pre-COVID levels.

“Although the volume of air travel at T.F. Green and airports throughout the nation currently remains approximately 20 percent of pre-COVID-19 levels, any change in air traffic can be noticeable to nearby residents,” reads the release.

In an exchange of emails, RIAC media and public relations director John Goodman said Cardi Corporation has been awarded a $21.7 million contract for the work that he expects will be completed in two phases. The first of those would start next month and run until it was forced to cease by winter weather. The second phase would begin in the spring and run until completion. The runway would reopen during the winter between the two phases.

Goodman outlined the history of the runway and described the work to be done, saying: “On May 16, 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the intent to award the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant for the reconstruction of Runway 16-34 at PVD. Runway 16-34 is 6,081 feet long and was originally constructed with Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) Pavement in the 1930’s. In 1978, the PCC runway pavement was rehabilitated with a bituminous concrete surface, and an additional bituminous concrete overlay was completed in 2004. Most recently in 2015, approximately 1,531 feet of the Runway 34 end pavement was reconstructed to full depth with FAA-compliant transverse grades, and other upgrades. This project consists of full depth reconstruction of the remaining portion of Runway 16-34, as well as rehabilitation (mill and overlay) of the intersection of Runway 16-34 and Runway 5-23.”

Goodman said the work will not lengthen the runway but it would broaden its shoulders from 15 to 25 feet.

Asked if during the runway closure, the airport may have to divert flights because Runway 5/23 would not be suitable because of wind direction, Goodman replied: “We do not foresee a situation in which Runway 5/23 would close due to wind conditions, as historical data shows that is very rare with the use of Runway 16-34 is typically based on pilot preference rather than an inability to use Runway 5/23. We have been keeping the airlines informed about the planned work so do not expect any problems.”

Federal funding of $24.8 million includes the design and construction of the project. The release reads that funding was made possible due to Sen. Jack Reed’s effort to provide an additional $1 billion in airport improvement funding in the fiscal year 2018 transportation funding bill, as well as the continued advocacy of all in Rhode Island’s congressional delegation.