Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) recently completed Phase 1 (Package 1) of its Taxiway S Reconstruction Project. Taxiway S serves as a parallel taxiway to the airport’s busiest runway, 9R-27L. The project’s second package, currently in pre-construction, was recently awarded $850,000 in fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding (CPF).
“Upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure at Philadelphia International Airport is pivotal to driving our regional economy,” said US Representative Mary Gay Scanlon. “Keeping airport facilities modernized is essential to improving air travel for pilots, airline crew members, and passengers alike. I was proud to secure $850,000 in Community Project Funding to help PHL meet current FAA standards and enhance the safety and efficiency of operations at one of the busiest airports in the country.”
The initial phase of the Taxiway S project was completed over two construction seasons (2024–2025) and represents a major step in modernizing one of the airfield’s most critical corridors. In addition to replacing asphalt pavement to improve the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) in the section of Taxiway S between Taxiways N and U, PHL crews also added two new intersecting taxiways (Taxiways T and P6) to improve circulation across the airfield.
The second phase (Package 2) of this project replaces the east end of Taxiway S pavement between Taxiway D and the end of Runway 9L-27R. In addition to the CPF grant, this phase also received more than $6.8 million as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)- Airport Infrastructure Grant funding as well as $600,000 in matching funds from PennDOT.
As the main parallel taxiway to Runway 9R-27L, the structural condition and geometry of Taxiway S are essential to maintaining reliable airfield operations. The upgrades enhance safety, improve aircraft maneuverability, and ensure compatibility with present and future airline fleet mixes. The improvements also include lighting, signage, and drainage upgrades and help to reduce the risk of foreign object debris, pavement failures, uneven surfaces, unplanned closures, and speed restrictions.
“The Taxiway S Reconstruction Project benefits passengers with safer operations, fewer delays, and smoother taxi experiences. For the airport, proactive reconstruction and preventive rehabilitation represent more cost-effective approaches and support future growth,” said Airport Engineering Assistant Manager Lee Sutanto.
Airfield construction at a major hub airport requires extensive coordination and all phases are reviewed in meetings with key stakeholders, including airline representatives. Taxiway S reconstruction is a multi-phased strategy that includes five phases. Notice-to-proceed for the Package 2 was issued in December 2025, and construction is anticipated to begin this spring near the end of Runway 9L-27R. The construction contract was awarded to Haines and Kibblehouse, Inc. Package 3 is currently in design with an estimated bid procurement in the second quarter of 2026.
