**Reopened Runway at Newark Liberty International Airport Promises Smoother Summer Travel**

On Monday, Newark Liberty International Airport will unveil a newly reopened runway that has caused significant delays and disruptions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will host a ceremony at the airport to celebrate the reopening of Runway 4L-22R after extensive rehabilitation deemed necessary due to "significant signs of wear," according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The runway, measuring 11,000 feet in length, has now been upgraded to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

The rehabilitation project for Runway 4L-22R, which last saw significant updates in 2014, was a $121 million initiative that started in early March and was initially planned to conclude on June 15. The renovations included milling and paving the runway surface, upgrading lighting and airfield signs to LED, installing new underground electrical systems, and enhancing drainage systems. Although the runway was entirely closed down on April 15, partial closures had been in place on nights and weekends to accommodate the construction.

The Port Authority has announced that, despite Monday’s reopening, night and weekend closures will resume later in the year to complete additional work. Nonetheless, the reopening marks the resumption of regular operations for Runway 4L-22R, with two other runways remaining operational during future closures.

Transportation Secretary Duffy expressed optimism about the upcoming summer travel season, stating: "As we approach the busy summer travel season, this key milestone puts us on a path to further reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and ensuring a seamless travel experience." Additionally, Duffy emphasized ongoing efforts to fortify telecommunications infrastructure and improve the workforce pipeline for air traffic control.

The delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport this spring were compounded by more than just runway construction. Air traffic controllers encountered multiple communication blackouts due to equipment failures, prompting the FAA to limit the number of flights in and out of Newark commencing May 20.

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau highlighted the broader impact of these issues, stating: "Our goal is to relieve the substantial inconvenience to the traveling public from excessive flight delays due to construction, staffing challenges, and recent equipment issues, which magnify as they spread through the National Airspace System."

With the runway's reopening, Newark Liberty International Airport aims to provide a more efficient and safer travel experience, ameliorating the disruptions that have plagued travelers and bringing a hopeful start to the busy summer travel season.