After several months of closure, Toronto’s second-busiest runway has reopened. The airport shut down runway 06L/24R in April this year to allow a full rehabilitation of the facility. The project was one of Pearson’s most extensive runway repair missions in its history, and was necessary to ensure the safe operation of the runway going forward. The airport states that the repairs will extend the life of 06L/24R by around 30 years.

The project was done in phases, beginning with full-depth replacement at the West end of the runway, as well as a lighting upgrade at the runway end and the holding bay. Phase two began in late June, and saw work moving to the middle section of the runway, replacing lighting, performing a full-depth replacement of the concrete, and improving lighting on adjacent taxiways.

toronto pearson new runway 06L/24R
Photo: GTAA

The final phase began in mid-September, with work continuing on to the East end of the runway. Again, the surface was replaced, and the lighting upgraded. Although the project was completed in just eight months, planning for such a huge undertaking began around a year and a half ago.

toronto pearson new runway 06L/24R

Sustainability in mind

All in all, the runway has seen 1,800 lights upgraded to the latest in LED technology, reducing energy use and the carbon footprint of the facility. Adding to the sustainability credentials of the project was the recycling of the old runway surface, all of which was crushed and reused in the new surface.

The runway refurbishment represents an investment of CA$80 million (approximately $60 million). The official reopening and ribbon cutting was attended by Omar Alghabra, Federal Transport Minister, as well as GTAA President and CEO Deborah Flint. Alghabra commented,

“It’s great to see the reopening of Runway 06L/24R after eight months of rehabilitation. As the busiest airport in Canada and one of the busiest in North America, the return of this runway at Pearson Airport will keep air passengers moving safely and smoothly in and out of the GTA.”

Ms Flint added,

“This runway is more than a place where planes land and take off; it’s emblematic of a brighter future, both for Toronto Pearson and Canada through the global connections and economic activity it enables.”

toronto pearson new runway 06L/24R
Photo: GTAA

No test runs

With the runway reopened, aircraft will be directed to land on either this or one of Toronto Pearson’s four other facilities. Three runways run East-West, while two run North-South. The selection of which runways are used will depend on wind, weather, availability, type of aircraft and a number of other factors.

But given the extensive reworking for runway 06L/24R, would a proving flight be taking place to ensure everything has been completed satisfactorily? Stuart Bricknell, in charge of engineering, architecture and construction for the GTAA, says not, telling the CBC,

"There are no test runs … The first plane that lands on it will be the test run."

He did say that he hoped the controllers would let the pilots know they are landing on a brand-new runway, and that the pilots are as excited as he is to see it back in action.

toronto pearson new runway 06L/24R
Photo: GTAA

Although Toronto Airport has had to cope with just four runways over the summer season, the airport says that the closure of 06L/24R did not contribute to the extensive delays witnessed at the airport in recent months. At one point, Pearson held the title for most delayed airport in the world. Let’s hope with 06L/24R back in action, it can avoid that particular accolade going forward.

Source: CBC