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RDU announces 25-year master plan

The Triangle's rapid growth rate is putting a strain on the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

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MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The Triangle's rapid growth rate is putting a strain on the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

The airport is working on a federally-required plan for the future, and on Thursday, RDU leaders approved the 25-year master plan.

Airport Authoritty CEO Michael Landguth said he wants to add China to the growing number of international flights, but before that is possible, the airport needs a new runway that could cost $400 million.

"One of the things we identified is that runway...our longest runway needs to be replaced and that's a focus of our attention as part of the master planning process," he said.

Landguth said the 10,000 foot runway is nearing the end of its lifecycle, and longer runways are crucial for trans-Atlantic and trans-continental service.

Vision 2040 could also add up to 23 new gates.

"It lays out additional capacity from a gate stand point to make sure as our community grows, we've got the infrastructure," Landguth said. "We've got the terminals there and we also need to make sure we have the roadway.

The plan does not address the use of land around Lake Crabtree, but Landguth said conversations are ongoing with Wake County, the state and private developers.

The master plan now needs approval form the Federal Aviation Administration, then RDU will have to find a way to pay for the $400 million runway.

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