Tampa Airport Runway Renovations Could Mean More Noise In Nearby Neighborhoods

TAMPA, FL — Tampa International Airport’s main runway is about to get a major makeover.

Beginning April 20, the runway on the west side of the airport will close completely for 45 days as crews begin improvements required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The work includes major regrading at the south end of the runway, along with drainage improvements to ensure water doesn’t pool on the runway during heavy rain. There will also be work done to electrical outlet covers in the runway safety area.

As a result of the work, takeoffs and landings will be shifted over to the airport’s east runway as well the east-west runway. This will mean a noticeable increase in the amount of flight activity over the neighborhoods north and south of the east runway.

Starting in March 2021, the airport scheduled 14 public meetings and held multiple outreach efforts with both homeowners and the airlines to get the word out.

Barring any delays, the work is scheduled to be completed in the first week of June, with planes then returning to their normal traffic patterns.

TPA has a Noise Monitoring Office which hosts bi-monthly meetings of the Community Noise Forum, a group of people from all areas surrounding the airport. The public is invited to join all meetings where statistical and ongoing initiatives of the Noise Monitoring Office are provided.

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