New Jersey Airport To Close for Runway Repair

New Jersey’s Monmouth Executive Airport (KBLM) will be closed to fixed-wing aircraft traffic for more than a month due to a runway repair project. Commencing on September 14 and lasting through October 15 (schedule subject to weather), the work will mill and replace the center 40 feet of the entire 7,345-foot length of primary Runway 14/32, as well as resurface the remainder. The $2.7 million project—the majority of which will be covered by state Department of Transportation grants—will also require re-marking the entire runway.

“We’re resurfacing the runway to provide a smoother and more enjoyable arrival and departure experience for everyone flying into and out of Monmouth Executive Airport,” said airport v-p Joe Wall.

While the runway is still classified as “good” by the FAA, he said years of accumulated runway repairs have caused a bumpy ride for aircraft operators. The new 40-foot swath at the runway’s centerline should cover the landing gear width of any aircraft using KBLM, Wall told AIN.

During the project, the privately owned airport’s secondary Runway 3/21 will also be closed, with the gateway allowing only helicopter traffic. The airport’s operators acknowledge the inconvenience of the construction but note that based aircraft owners and operators will still have 24/7 access to their hangars for the duration.