Tri-Cities Airport to close some runways for construction

Heads up to Pasco residents living west of the Tri-Cities Airport: You may hear more air traffic over your homes for the next nine months. 

The airport has closed Runway 12/30, which runs from the northwest to the southeast, and sections of the D, E and G taxiways through November, according to a release. All aircraft will now use the 3L/21R runway, which runs southwest to northeast. 

The closures will allow construction crews to bring the runway into compliance with new federal safety standards, including shifting the runway 200 feet to the north. Moving the runway also will accommodate a new airfield service road. 

Construction is not expected to affect those taking flights to and from the airport, but airport officials said it could lead to additional airplane noise for those living between the airport and Road 68.