The basics:

• Runway 4L-22R at Newark airport reopens June 2 — 13 days early
• $121M rehab project included paving, lighting, drainage upgrades
• Around-the-clock construction helped accelerate the timeline

A positive development to report about at least one element pertaining to the issues roiling Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

As NJBIZ has reported, delays and cancellations have plagued EWR travelers. The disruptions stem from a perfect storm of several issues. Those include equipment outages and staffing challenges, as well as a major runway project at the airport. The combination has resulted in a rough experience for travelers. The issues have led the Federal Aviation Administration to take several actions, such as reducing the number of flights into and out of EWR — a move United Airlines also made ahead of that action.

Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced some welcome news, and hopefully, relief for travelers. A runway closed for rehabilitation will reopen 13 days ahead of schedule. When that begins June 2, officials say it will allow regular runway operations to resume at Newark airport.

“I commend the crews who have worked tirelessly to get this critical project done ahead of schedule,” said Murphy. “I’m grateful for New Jersey’s partnership with the Port Authority and the FAA as we work to return to full capacity at Newark Airport.”

“Thank you to the Port Authority for their partnership and hard work in getting Newark’s runway rebuilt ahead of the schedule,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Great job!”

Key things to know:

• $121 million project began in early March on Runway 4L-22R. The planned rehabilitation work was required to meet FAA safety standards
• As air traffic control issues mounted, the Port Authority accelerated construction. The agency brought in additional crews, expanded shifts and enabled construction to take place around-the-clock
• The work required runway closures on weeknights and weekends. Previously scheduled to conclude June 15, a full shutdown began in April
• To fully complete the rehabilitation project by the end of year, closures of the runway will continue on weeknights. It will also close on weekends, September through December
• The last rehabilitation of the 11,000-foot-long runway took place in 2014 – and it showed “significant signs of wear”
• Project involves —
  • • Milling and paving the runway surface
    • Updating lighting
    • Improving airfield signs with LED lighting
    • Installing new electrical infrastructure
    • Implementing drainage improvements
• Two remaining runways, 4R-22L and 11-29, are available for use throughout the closure periods (pending weather disruptions)

Time to buy your tickets?

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, “Work on this runway began in early March with a scheduled completion date of June 15. As other issues have arisen related to Newark Liberty’s capacity, the Port Authority took on the challenge to speed up the construction. We are pleased to be able to return the runway nearly two weeks ahead of schedule without compromising safety and quality.”

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said that completing the project ahead of schedule is a testament to the extraordinary commitment and constant efforts of construction crews and the airport staff.

“The Port Authority has invested billions to modernize Newark Liberty and we appreciate the FAA’s commitment to recruiting and training new air traffic controllers and overhauling the technology that underpins our aviation industry.”

Duffy added, “As we approach the busy summer travel season, this key milestone puts on a path to further reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and ensuring a seamless travel experience. With the runway completed, we’ll continue our work to harden the telecoms infrastructure and improving the staffing pipeline for the airspace.”

“New Jersey will do all we can to support plans from the USDOT [U.S. Department of Transportation] to invest in modernizing our air traffic control system and fully staffing our air traffic controllers,” said Murphy.

During the Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything event this week, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stressed that it is safe to fly in and out EWR. He also said that it’s a great time for travelers to find value — United’s Newark airport flights this summer will be the cheapest they’ve ever been, because of lost bookings.