RDU is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) in cooperation with the FAA for its most significant infrastructure project – the proposed replacement of primary runway 5L/23R and the conversion of the existing runway into a taxiway. The FAA authorized the Airport Authority to move forward with the assessment in 2021 and approved a length of 10,639 feet, marking the kickoff of a multi-year project that has been years in the making. Pending FAA approval, construction on the runway replacement project could begin in 2023 with anticipated opening dates of 2027 for the runway and 2030 for the taxiway.

A multi-year effort to preserve RDU’s primary runway, 5L/23R, began in 2019 and continued at intervals through 2022. Concrete on the 10,000-foot runway has aged after more than four decades of use. Regular removal and replacement of old concrete slabs is required so large international aircraft and heavy cargo planes can continue to use it. The preservation project is ongoing while RDU works with the FAA to replace 5L/23R. The runway will continue to be monitored for signs that additional slabs need to be replaced.

The Airport Authority is converting the existing West General Aviation Apron near Terminal 2 to a Remain Overnight parking area for commercial aircraft. The West RON will provide additional parking capacity for overnight aircraft that typically depart before 8:00 each morning. Construction is expected to conclude in spring 2023.

Construction on the rehabilitation of Taxiway B concluded in November 2022.

Construction was initiated in January 2023 with an anticipated completion date of February 2024.

Reconstruction of the North Cargo Taxi-Lane began in February 2023 and is expected to be completed by December 2024. The overall apron replacement program will be undertaken in multiple phases over multiple years.

The Terminal 1 gate activation project completed in 2019 included construction of a bag makeup building, offices, and TSA bag processing space, installation of jet bridges, new ticket counters and kiosks, and rehabilitation of hold rooms. In April 2022, Spirit Airlines moved to Terminal 1 and began using Gates A1 – A4.

In summer 2022, RDU will open two new security checkpoint lanes in Terminal 2 to accommodate the increasing number of passengers flying through the airport. The T2 checkpoint will have a total of 14 lanes to better accommodate growth. A previous two-lane expansion was completed in 2019.

Vision 2040 anticipated an increase in international air travel at RDU that would require an expansion of the airport’s Federal Inspection Station (FIS), or U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. The FIS facility will be expanded under the airport’s master plan to accommodate the increasing number of travelers flying into RDU from foreign destinations.

Planning for a potential expansion of Terminal 2 is underway to ensure RDU has the capacity to meet current and future passenger demand. An expansion could include the security screening checkpoint area, expanding the Federal Inspection Services facility and related Customs and Border Protection areas; modifying or expanding the ticketing hall, along with ticket counters, kiosks, queue and circulation areas; upgrades to the checked baggage screening system, lobby areas, pre-security concessions and baggage claim; and curbside roadway improvements.

RDU upgraded mechanical systems in the parking garage located between terminals, including banks of elevators and moving sidewalks, and resurfaced the economy lot. The project began in 2019 and was completed in 2021.

The Airport Authority resumed design services in 2022 for the expansion of Park Economy 3. The 3,820-space lot on National Guard Drive provides shuttle bus service to Terminals 1 and 2. The project will expand the existing lot to create approximately 8,700 additional spaces.

A major rehabilitation project on International Drive is scheduled for May – November 2022. Construction will take place from the intersection of John Brantley Blvd. to Commerce Drive. The project involves milling, replacing aged asphalt, and full-depth reconstruction in critical areas. The road work will be carefully phased by alternating closures of traffic lanes and driveways to minimize the impact on airport guests, business partners and employees.