Runway work jams Bay Area
By Michelle R. Smith
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — Seven flights were diverted and others were delayed yesterday after construction began on a major runway at San Jose's international airport, one of three San Francisco Bay area airports renovating runways this summer.
Associated Press
The simultaneous projects at the area's three major airports mean some passengers could be sitting on their planes longer this summer, or even finding themselves landing at a different airport.
"X" marks a runway at San Jose International Airport closed for a six-month resurfacing project. The "X" signs helped pilots land in fog, but with yesterday's runway shutdown, seven flights were diverted and others delayed.
In late May, a runway used mainly for private planes at Oakland International Airport will be closed for three to six weeks as it gets a new overlay.
San Francisco International Airport is repaving its longest runway for 75 days during evenings and some weekends.
Until yesterday, the San Jose flights would have been able to land in the fog on runway 30 Left, which is outfitted with a system to ease such landings.
But that runway was closed at midnight Monday for a six-month-long project to reconstruct the old asphalt surface with concrete. All flights now will use the same runway.
At San Francisco International Airport, passengers likely won't notice that airport's construction, officials said. The project is scheduled for off-hours, and a taxiway is being outfitted as a runway to accommodate smaller planes.
But officials said San Jose's construction could spill over and affect San Francisco travelers, especially during the airport's foggy and busy summer season.
