Construction work affecting the use of Vancouver International Airport's (YVR) south runway is finally completed, just in time for the busy holiday season.
The rehabilitation projects for YVR's south airfield began in April this year, with some large-scale projects requiring expanded use of the north runway while regular closures took place on the south runway and taxiway.
The airport recently returned to regular use of its parallel runways after work affecting runway use was completed on Dec. 8.
Work done on the south airfield included concrete panel replacements, upgrades of taxiways and intersections, electrical work and a modernization of the airport's taxiway system.
The project was suspended in August when what were believed to be Musqueam artifacts were found and sent for assessment.
The southern half of Sea Island, where the work took place, is on traditional Musqueam territory.
As of Dec. 8, taxiways Lima 2 and Delta 3 have returned to service with improved pavement and Delta 3 also got paved shoulders for "enhanced aircraft safety," according to YVR.
The south airfield's key location for aircraft maintenance, the Lima Holding Bay, previously returned to service in October for select periods throughout the day as part of the airport's efforts to reduce noise exposure to the community.
YVR will be providing more updates on the rehabilitation projects in the spring of 2024.
