The Calgary International Airport's west runway has wrapped construction and will soon be open to air traffic, following an extensive project involving its complete removal and replacement.

The airport's west runway was built in 1939, when planes were significantly lighter than they are today.

After upgrades over the next several decades, it was determined that a full rehabilitation would be needed.

Construction was slated to end in December, but wrapped this month.

The two-year, $200-million project included the removal and recycling of 13,000 cubic metres of asphalt and other materials, safety upgrades to meet modern standards, infrastructure upgrades beneath the runway, and electrical upgrades to improve energy efficiency.

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