Residents may notice a change in aircraft flight activity as construction work will require a six-month closure of the north parallel runway effective May 1st through October 31st. During this closure, jet aircraft will use the south runway, and will follow noise abatement procedures that direct them over the Columbia River corridor, minimizing overflights of residential areas. Smaller aircraft including cargo feeders and commuter turboprops may be required to use the crosswind runway, which is oriented north/south.
During the closure, the runway will undergo major rehabilitation and preparations will be made to extend the runway in 2010. The extension is needed to accommodate larger aircraft that require the extra length for takeoff at PDX when the longer south runway closes for rehabilitation in 2011.
The following link will provide detailed information about the North Runway Extension Project:http://www.portofportland.com/Prj_PDX_NREX_Home.aspx
For further information please contact: Port of Portland, Noise Management Department Phone: 503.460.4100 / 800.938.6647
Web Site: http://www.portofportland.com/Noise_Mgmt_Home.aspx