Newark Liberty Runway to Reopen 13 Days Ahead of Schedule Following Accelerated Rehabilitation

Runway 4L-22R reopening today, June 2, marks an early milestone in the $121 million infrastructure project aimed at boosting airport capacity and safety.

NEWARK — Runway 4L-22R at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) will reopen to air traffic on Monday, June 2, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, following an expedited rehabilitation project, Governor Phil Murphy and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced today.

Originally scheduled to reopen on June 15, the runway’s early return is the result of around-the-clock construction aimed at minimizing operational disruptions and restoring full runway capacity at one of the region’s busiest airports. The Port Authority accelerated the construction timeline by deploying additional crews, extending work shifts, and operating continuously, seven days a week.

“Completing this major portion of the runway rehabilitation 13 days ahead of schedule is a testament to the extraordinary commitment and around-the-clock efforts of construction crews and our airport staff,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “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.”

The runway rehabilitation project, which began in early March 2025, is part of a broader infrastructure initiative to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) latest design and safety standards. The scope of the $121 million project includes milling and repaving the 11,000-foot runway, updating airfield lighting with LED systems, improving drainage, and installing new underground electrical infrastructure.

Runway 4L-22R was last rehabilitated in 2014 and had reached the end of its typical 10-year maintenance cycle. A full 24/7 closure of the runway began on April 15, representing the most disruptive phase of the project. That phase has now concluded early, but night and weekend closures will continue through the remainder of 2025, including expanded weekend closures from September to December. Newark Liberty’s Runways 4R-22L and 11-29 will remain operational during these remaining closure windows.

The Port Authority coordinated extensively with the FAA and airlines to manage impacts, including preemptive flight schedule adjustments and air traffic controller staffing solutions. When FAA operational challenges emerged this spring, the Port Authority responded by mobilizing additional crews from other projects, launching a second asphalt plant, and implementing a day-night milling and paving operation, effectively doubling production and accelerating progress.

“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,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

This project is part of the Port Authority’s ongoing capital investment in Newark Liberty, which includes:

• The 2021 rehabilitation of Runway 4R-22L, completed with limited disruption,

• The 2023 opening of Terminal A, a modern passenger facility,

• Early stages of a new AirTrain Newark system, and

• The 2024 unveiling of the EWR Vision Plan, a long-term modernization strategy for terminals, roadways, and taxiways.

The Port Authority will continue supporting the FAA as it works to restore full operational capacity at Newark Liberty, with the next phases of construction proceeding in a way that seeks to minimize delays and maintain safety standards.