Albany, NY (October 30, 2003) - - - The Albany County Airport Authority, acting in response to its neighbors, has eliminated late night and early morning work on the Airport’s main runway. Safety improvements underway at Albany International Airport had resulted in a short-term increase in noise created by special equipment now being used to "groove" the Airport’s main runway. The "grooving" operation is the final step of a $4 million project that included resurfacing the Airport’s main runway and the installation of new runway lighting.

Crews have been in the process of grinding small grooves in the main runway’s flat surface to ensure the appropriate drainage of water and to provide required traction for arriving and departing aircraft. The heavy equipment used in the "grooving" process has resulted in an increase in noise emanating from the Airport during the evening and early morning hours.

"This project is required to ensure the safe operation of our aircraft and the safety of our passengers," said John O’Donnell, CEO of the Albany International Airport. "The Airport Authority would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may have created for Airport neighbors and to thank them for their patience."

In response to requests from Airport neighbors, the Airport Authority has directed its contractor to eliminate late night and early morning work on the runway. The new schedule calls for the "grooving" operating to conclude each evening at 11 p.m. During this work period, the Airport’s main runway will be closed and the Airport will use the cross-wind east-west runway for all departures and arrivals.

There will be one exception to the new schedule to enable the contractor to perform required work at the intersection of the Airport’s two runways. On Saturday, November 1, work will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 12 midnight at which time the Airport will close to all but emergency traffic. The work on the "intersection" will continue until 6 a.m. Sunday. On Monday, November 3, the work schedule will return to 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. until the project is completed on Friday, November 7th. No scheduled commercial flights will be affected by the temporary closing.

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