Washington, D.C. - Airport traffic and noise levels should return to historic levels with today’s opening of the middle runaway, 8L/26R.  This runway had been closed for construction since December 2003, increasing the traffic on the northern most runway 8R/26L.  Residents in Foxwood, Kenswick, Mill Creek, Belleau Woods, and Northshire subdivisions have been complaining the increased traffic was creating intolerable noise levels, disrupting their quality of life.  With flight patterns returning to normal – relief is in sight.

 

“The opening of the middle runway is good news for residents and the airport.  With another runway back in operation, the airport will be in a position to return to traditional flight patterns, keeping flights departing and landing safely and smoothly,” said Brady

who for the last six months has been working with residents, airport officials, airline representatives, and the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce the challenges the temporary flight patterns created for residents.

 

In other breaking news -- Wyle Laboratories has been selected by city and residential leaders to conduct a Noise Update Study.  The findings of the Noise Study will determine whether homes near the northern most runway qualify for federal noise mitigation funding to reduce the noise level of incoming planes.  The study should begin sometime in August or September.     

 

Local neighborhoods have demanded that many steps be taken to lower the impact of airport noise. Most of their concerns have been addresses in the Runway Management Plan implemented in May.  Today’s action will take things in the right direction, but there’s still more work to be done. 

 

Brady regularly meets with a Congressional “Airport Advisory Group” made up of neighborhood leaders to seek ways to lower the noise impact of the new northernmost runway.