The runway at Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor reopened Sunday after being closed for 10 nights for the final phase of its rehabilitation. Crews grooved the runway for improved traction and applied final markings to the runway and connector taxiways.

During earlier phases of the rehabilitation, which started April 29, crews reduced the width of the runway, added new signage, and repaved the runway, among other improvements. The runway’s width was reduced from 150 feet to the Federal Aviation Administration’s standard of 100 feet for airports of this type. The runway length remains at 5,002 feet.

Cracks were sealed and repaired, and four inches of asphalt overlay created a new surface. The runway is now crowned at the center for improved drainage. Additional project highlights include a new drainage system along the runway and connector taxiways, new runway markings and signage, and improved lighting. The taxiways were reduced to 50 feet, down from a varied width of 75 to 120 feet.

The runway has not been repaved since it was built more than 50 years ago.

The rehabilitation cost approximately $5.7 million, including $5.2 million in FAA grants, a $326,000 Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) grant, $135,236 in Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation grants, and $95,160 in county airport funds. The project was eligible for the DOE grant due to the drainage improvements that were made to enhance water quality.

WHPacific designed the project, and Tucci and Sons, Inc. was the general contractor.

Additional information is available online at piercecountywa.org/tacomanarrows.