FAA Approves New Centerfield Taxiway for Boston Logan

The FAA gave its final approval this week for a new taxiway at Boston's Logan International Airport that authorities hope will reduce traffic delays and potential airplane collisions.  Some nearby residents oppose the action, however, fearing increased noise and pollution.

The so-called "centerfield taxiway" will run between the airport's two main parallel runways (22L and R, and 4L and R), which are roughly in the center of the airport. The goal is to allow heavy aircraft to reach an outer runway faster, and to allow others to get around blocking queues.

The agency estimates the new taxiway will cut ground delays by 10,000 hours a year, or as much as 22 percent.  It also will reduce runway crossings, thereby decreasing the risk of collisions.

In a 14-month span ending in November 2005, Logan had 17 incidents in which airplanes violated minimum clearances - the most in the country.  The number fell to eight in a 12-month period ending last September.

The most serious "incursion" occurred in June 2005, when US Airways and Aer Lingus airplanes carrying 381 passengers nearly collided on intersecting runways after both were mistakenly given takeoff clearance.  An investigation found they came within 106 feet vertically and 379 feet horizontally.

Preliminary site work may start later this year, with a projected completion date of late 2009.  Ultimately, the taxiway will stretch 9,300 feet.  05-05-2007.

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