2 SMC Airports To Close For Runway Repairs

HALF MOON BAY, CA — Closures are planned at two San Mateo County airports in the coming weeks, allowing maintenance crews to repave runways and make other key repairs.

The first project will see the Half Moon Bay Airport close to all air traffic next week as workers fill cracks, apply a fresh seal and paint new markings on the runway. The airport was built in 1942 and is the home base for dozens of aircraft, including those used for emergency response services, Medivac flights, security patrols and Coast Guard rescues.

"Just like the street in front of your house, our runways over time gey typical wear and tear and need some care," said Gretchen Kelly, the Department of Public Works' airport manager. "It's just our 'street' requires us to move some planes around."

Federal Aviation Administration regulations require airports to keep their runways and taxiways safe, and county officials said federal funds would cover about 90 percent of the project costs. While the airport will be fully closed to air traffic, the county said on-site businesses like the Pilot Light Cafe will operate normally during the project.

Following the Half Moon Bay project, the next slate of repairs will see the San Carlos Airport closed for a full month.

San Carlos Airport was built in 1948 and hosts 500 aircraft and more than two-dozen aviation businesses, and also helps facilitate emergency services for San Mateo County.

Beginning Sept. 11, crews will begin work to fix significant cracks on the airport's runway and taxiway. That project will also entail stabilizing soil, improving drainage, sealing and restriping runways, and replacing lights, signs and other equipment.

The county said occasional closures may be necessary for an extra month after the project wraps on Oct. 11. On-site businesses will remain open throughout the project.