Changes and Development
At 8,800' long, Runway 13R-31L is the longer of the parallel runways and serves as the main commercial air carrier runway at DAL. The runway was originally constructed in the 1960's, with an overlay being completed in 1990. Taxiway C was originally constructed at the same time as the runway and in 1990 a portion of the taxiway was reconstructed with the runway overlay project.
Deficiencies
In 1990 the runway was improved by applying a Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) overlay. FAA pavement design criteria specifies a 20-year design life. After 28 years of use, the existing overlay has performed beyond its effective design life. Additionally, changes in airport fleet mix and pavement design methodology since 1990 suggest that the existing overlay is too thin for current aircraft traffic. A pavement evaluation completed in May 2014 reported that Runway 13R-31L had deteriorated from the condition reported in the previous pavement evaluation conducted in 2008.
This project will completely reconstruct the runway to the current FAA design specifications. The runway length and width will remain as it is today (8800' long x 150' wide). The runway and adjoining taxiways will have high efficiency LED lighting systems installed, also meeting FAA Design specifications.
