A new Runway 1L-19R for Dulles

When aircraft operations at Dulles grew to more than 509,000 in 2005, expanding the current three-runway system became a necessity. The first three runways at Dulles date back to the Airport's 1962 opening date. This project adds a fourth runway and paves the way for a future fifth runway. Both runways were approved by an FAA Record of Decision in 2005.  Construction of the fourth runway began in 2006, but fifth runway construction is not yet scheduled.

The fourth runway is a north-south runway, approximately 9,400 feet long and 150 feet wide.  It is about a mile west of the current Runway 1L-19R.  On June 5, 2008 it was officially designated Runway 1L-19R and its predecessor became 1C-19C.  The numeric designation is the runway's compass bearing in degrees, divided by 10.  The letters stand for left, center, and right. The new runway will include high-speed exit taxiways and be equipped with an instrument landing system and associated lighting systems.

The fourth runway is scheduled to be operational in November 2008. Construction dates for the fifth runway will be set in the future.

Statistics about the Fourth Runway:

• Runway Dimensions: 9,400 feet by 150 feet

Construction Details:

• Contractors: Carter and Burgess - Design.  Lane Construction Co. - Construction.
• Estimated Program Cost: $258 million 
• Operational Date: November 2008

Click below for more about this project

• New runways factsheet - PDF document 
• Construction Photo Gallery
• Read the FAA Record of Decision authorizing this project