Construction Underway to Shorten Santa Monica Airport Runway
December 13, 2017 5:58 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A ten-day runway closure at Santa Monica Airport commenced this morning, Wednesday, December 13, 2017 to shorten the runway to 3,500 feet as part of the Consent Decree with the Federal Aviation Administration. The construction is scheduled to finish on Saturday, December 23, 2017. During this construction, the airport is closed to all aircraft operations. Construction will be done 24 hours a day to expedite the closure time and impacts on the airport.
AECOM, a highly regarded engineering and construction firm experienced with aviation projects is managing the construction. Once complete, the new runway will meet all FAA safety standards.
The City conducted outreach to the surrounding neighborhood as well as the aviation community to ensure that all aircrafts that cannot operate on a runway of 3,500 feet were removed prior to the closure. Phase one of the construction project commenced on October 23, 2017. Work was done between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Friday to get ready for this total closure to complete the project expeditiously.
After December 23, certain large jets will no longer be able to use SMO. A reduction in jet aircraft operations will minimize overall air pollution and noise exposure for the neighborhoods surrounding the airport. This construction project also provides more adequate safety areas at the ends of the runway.
“This is a historic day for the residents of Santa Monica and demonstrates the City’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents and our neighbors,” said Mayor Ted Winterer. “The shortened runway will reduce jet operations over the next ten years while also enhancing the safety areas on either end of the runway, something our residents have called for for many years.”
For more information, visit www.smgov.net/airport.
SMO and Emergency Management
The FAA Air Traffic Control Tower at SMO provided support to aircraft assisting with the Skirball fire. There were no requests to use SMO for take-offs or landings related to fire suppression efforts. FAA’s Air Traffic Control Tower will maintain operations during the closure at SMO.
The City will be revising existing emergency management plans before 2028 and the airport’s closure to ensure all public safety needs are met in the event of a disaster.
More Information
Air quality study press release >
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov