During the next two years, Reagan National Airport will oversee a project to resurface and rehabilitate asphalt and base materials along its two primary runways during overnight hours. Crews have begun preliminary pavement work on the airfield in preparation for nightly work that will begin in May along the airport’s main runway.  

Closures associated with the project have been carefully planned and coordinated with airlines to minimize impacts on passengers. Despite these adjustments, there is a risk that late-night or early morning flights to Reagan National could be canceled or diverted if they are delayed at their originating airport or enroute. On-time flights are not expected to be affected. 

“This runway rehabilitation project is significant and necessary for the long-term safety and reliability of runways that serve millions of travelers each year,” said Airports Authority Vice President and Airport Manager Paul Malandrino. “Our team at Reagan National has been working to minimize impacts and get the job done without unnecessary inconvenience to travelers.” 

The pavement project will focus on runways 1/19 and 15/33, which handle most of the airport’s commercial flights. In addition, replacing base materials 6 to 8 inches deep will improve the long-term durability of both runways.  

Advice for airport passengers: 

• Check flight status directly with airlines for the most up-to-date flight information 

• Follow @Reagan_Airport on Twitter for construction-related notifications 

Project managers have worked with airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration to assure adequate time for nightly construction. The work will take place Monday to Friday, weather permitting. Airline flight schedules have been modified in some cases to avoid conflicts with runway closure times. Runways will remain available to flights that are operating on time outside the construction hours. During most of the construction period, only one runway will be closed at a time.  

Under the construction plan, new pavement will be in place and ready for use in time for the next morning’s scheduled flights. Construction work will include replacing up to 8 inches of base asphalt material on a portion of the runway and replacing all runway lighting with more energy-efficient LED systems. 

DCA Runway Rehabilitation Facts 

Pavement Rehabilitation Areas 

• Runway 1/19: 123,000 tons of asphalt  

• Runway 15/33: 54,000 tons of asphalt

Asphalt Production Onsite 

• 250 tons per hour production capacity   

• 400-ton onsite storage   

Other Materials  

• 7200 feet of electrical conduit replacement (1/19 Centerlines) 

• 142 centerline base cans  

• 142 LED centerline lights  

• 180 LED touchdown zone lights 

• 32 LED threshold lights 

• 27 sign conversions to LED  

• 1 windsock