Boston Logan to begin runway safety construction on August 31

Massport will begin the second phase of a critical runway safety improvement project at Boston Logan International Airport starting August 31. The work involves installing an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) at the end of Runway 27 to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards for runway undershoot and overrun protection.

To facilitate construction, Runway 9-27 will face a substantial closure for approximately 75 days, with completion expected before Thanksgiving. The project includes building a pile-supported deck over the water to expand the safety area. EMAS utilizes lightweight, crushable materials designed to safely stop aircraft that overrun a runway.

The closure will reduce the airport's runway capacity, potentially leading to flight delays during inclement weather or operational disruptions. Local residents in South Boston and Dorchester may experience shifts in flight patterns; while some areas might see a reduction in arrivals, others may see an increase in aircraft activity due to changes in runway configurations necessitated by wind direction and the unavailability of Runway 27.