RDU Begins Restoration of Secondary Runway

RDU closed its secondary runway, 5R/23L, on Monday, July 6 for crews to begin making pavement repairs. Although it is safe for flying, deteriorating pavement on 5R/23L is being replaced to maintain the integrity of the runway. All commercial flights will use RDU’s primary runway, 5L/23R, until the secondary runway reopens. 

As part of a multi-stage process, the runway will be closed continuously for up to 30 days for milling, repaving and adjusting in-pavement lights. Following the month-long closure, 5R/23L will be re-opened for four weeks to allow the new asphalt to cure. Planes will be able to use the runway during the curing process. A second closure that is expected to last two weeks will allow for pavement grooving and markings. Total construction costs for the project are approximately $600,000. 

The repairs to 5R/23L follow construction on 5L/23R that concluded for 2020 in April. RDU is completing the repairs because runway preservation is one of the airport’s most important capital projects. The devastating financial impact of COVID-19 forced RDU to defer $96 million in other construction projects.