Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is undertaking a modernization program to upgrade the North Runway.
Built in the 1990s, the North Runway requires upgrades to ensure the longevity and resilience of this critical piece of airport infrastructure.
The North Runway Program will deliver paving and infrastructure improvements that will better serve YVR’s aviation partners and airlines for years to come.
The North Runway Program includes:
A complete asphalt overlay of the runway and connecting taxiways
Drainage improvements
Electrical improvements and new LED lighting along the runway edge
We have partnered with Kiewit and Tristar Electric to deliver our North Runway Program
Safety is our top priority. The North Runway meets all regulatory requirements. YVR’s runway and airfield maintenance program includes monitoring, inspections, and activities that ensure the continued safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
Paving and infrastructure improvements will ensure the runway’s longevity and resilience.
Reliability
Work to deliver paving and infrastructure improvements will take place during the runway’s existing standard nightly closure period of 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. The North Runway will return to service each morning and we do not anticipate an impact to flight schedules as a result of this program.
Serving our community and the economy that supports it
The overall program is estimated at $133 million. The program will generate an additional 100,000 person hours of work during construction, resulting in new jobs and economic value for the region.
Timeline
Program by the Numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
Originally constructed and opened in 1996, YVR’s North Runway handles nearly 50 per cent of all
landings and takeoffs and will be treated to a series of upgrades designed to enhance the resiliency of
operations and enable continued growth. Beginning spring 2025, YVR will conduct paving and
infrastructure improvements on this critical piece of airport infrastructure which, once complete later
the same year, will better serve aviation partners and airlines for years to come.
We do not anticipate an impact to flight schedules as a result of the North Runway Program. Work to deliver paving and infrastructure upgrades will take place during the runway’s existing standard nightly closure period of 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. The North Runway will return to service each morning.
The majority of work on our North Runway is scheduled to begin April 2025 and has a targeted end date of October 2025.
People who live in communities near the airport may notice a change to noise from aircraft movement. YVR operates a dual runway system, with aircraft typically using the South Runway for departures and North Runway for arrivals. During construction, the North Runway may be used for departures during its regular operating hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while arrivals take place on the South Runway. When this temporary shift is in place, some communities surrounding the airport may experience changes to noise from aircraft movements. We do not anticipate significant noise or light impacts from our construction.
Equipment will be delivered at start of construction. Trucks will be bringing asphalt to the site over the duration of the construction schedule. Asphalt trucks will be timed to ensure optimal flow and noise management, meaning trucks will not come all at once or in close sequence.
Please email us at community_relations@yvr.ca
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