The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that $201 million will be invested in new runway and taxiway lighting at United Sates (US) airports in response to a spike in aircraft near-misses.
The investment is part of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which was signed into law on November 15, 2021.
The new lights at US airports will help to keep operations safe during reduced and low visibility and night conditions, according to the FAA.
“We’re acting to improve lighting systems at 82 airports, an important part of keeping aircraft moving safely, no matter the time of day or weather,” US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, said. “These runway and taxiway lighting investments are just the latest way President Biden is improving our airports, which will benefit Americans now and for decades to come.”
Secretary Pete Buttigieg marked the news on September 26, 2023, at Denver International Airport (DEN), where the airport is upgrading its lighting, reconstructing a runway and removing a hot spot.
Other projects announced, include:
$2.6 Million to Boeing Field/King County International (BFI) in Seattle, Washington to install elevated runway guard lights for Runway 14R/32L to enhance safety.
$2 Million to Dickinson/Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK) in North Dakota to install replacement Runway 7/25 end approach path identifier lights, making the airport more accessible by improving approaches to the runway ends and reconstructing Taxiway D lighting.
“Ensuring our pilots can safely navigate runways and taxiways with adequate and improved lighting systems is a top priority as we continue our focus on runway safety initiatives,” said Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., Associate Administrator for Airports.
In March, the FAA held a Safety Summit to address recent incidents. The summit brought together leaders from across the aviation sector, including airlines, airports, flight and ground crews, air traffic control, and associations to find potential causes and needed actions to uphold safety.
The FAA has introduced several runway safety technologies to provide pilots and controllers with increased situational awareness.
The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will make a historic investment in America’s infrastructure and competitiveness.
The nation’s roads, bridges, rails, public transits, ports, airports will all receive extra funding under the new law.
Details about all 88 airports that will receive funding can be found on the FAA website.