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Charlotte Douglas International Airport has officially commissioned the North End Around Taxiway, which enhances connectivity between the west runway and the terminal ramp, boosting both safety and capacity at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
"The completion of the North End Around Taxiway is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety, efficiency, and capacity of our airfield," said CLT Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine. "By reducing aircraft crossings on Runway 18C-36C and improving traffic flow, this project directly supports our growing demand and ensures we continue to operate at the highest standards."
As a vital part of the Airport's expansion and modernization efforts, the taxiway minimizes aircraft crossings on Runway 18C-36C, enhancing airfield safety and operational efficiency. It also provides additional queuing space for arriving flights, streamlining traffic flow on the central runway.
The project encompassed several enabling initiatives, such as relocating the Airport Overlook, rerouting a one-mile section of Old Dowd Road, permanently closing Marshall Drive, and building a new access road next to the Long Term 1 parking lot. Construction began in April 2021, with a total cost of $253 million. The project was funded through a mix of Passenger Facility Charge revenues and federal grants. Work continues on the fourth parallel runway, with drainage pipe installation and utility work in progress. Grading will be underway through mid-2026 and approximately five million cubic yards of runway and taxiway fill remain to be placed. Concrete paving begins this year and will wrap up in early 2027. The $1 billion project is scheduled for a fall 2027 commissioning and opening.
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