By John Lynds
One of the downsides of living next door to a major international airport is obviously the noise.
In May, Massport began a resurfacing project on Runway 4R-22L, a runway that typically handles over 30 percent of Logan’s arrivals on a daily basis. The rerouting arriving planes to Runway 15-32 has caused a headache, or earache, for some Eastie residents. The Boston Herald reported last week that the newspaper recorded decibel levels at nearly 90 dB at street level near Eagle Hill. Eagle Hill residents were briefed on the upcoming runway work in the spring at a monthly Eagle Hill Civic Association meeting but since work began residents have reported sleep interruptions and noise from landing jets.
The good news is Massport is reporting that work on Runway 4L-22R is wrapping up this week.
“Today, almost a month into work, tMassport is pleased to report that the critical Runway 4R-22L Resurfacing and Approach Light Pier Replacement Safety Project is progressing on schedule and will result in the rehabilitation of one of Logan Airport’s key runways and the replacement of a light pier used in operations,” said Massport in a statement. “The runway is expected to reopen for use by June 23rd. This project is necessary to maintain the high standards of safety at Logan.”
Massport said there will be additional work on the runway through November but it would not require extended closures of 4L-22R.
“Safety is Massport’s top priority,” said Massport CEO Thomas Glynn. “While routine, this project will repair one of our critical runways ensuring the safest environment for the traveling public, our employees and communities. We appreciate the patience of our neighboring communities and the traveling public as flight patterns have changed and apologize for any inconvenience this work may have caused.”
Glynn added that the work is part of routine, but essential, safety maintenance projects that occur annually throughout airport property. The main goal of this project will be to replace the asphalt pavement that has deteriorated. The pavements were last rehabilitated in the years 2005, 2006 and 2008.
According to Massport the project will also include work both on the runway and at the runway’s end to replace the light pier. The existing wooden pier will be replaced with a concrete pier designed to last 75 years. The current pier was originally constructed in 1955, with repairs last made in 2016.