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Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Runway 17-35 will close Sept. 8 for six weeks to upgrade electrical systems on the runway and connected taxiways. During the project, crews will replace all existing elevated and in-pavement halogen fixtures with energy-efficient LED lighting along the entire runway — completing a multi-year effort to modernize airfield lighting.
There are no major impacts to aircraft operations expected during the Runway 17‑35 closure. Air traffic control will be able to assign departing or arriving flights to any of MSP’s three other runways based on wind direction, air traffic demand and other operational factors. Air traffic will return to pre-construction operational patterns once the runway work is completed, currently scheduled no later than Oct. 17.
The LED lighting project will involve converting hundreds of fixtures from 20 to 6.6 input amperage. The conversion will provide a significant reduction in energy usage and improved equipment longevity — runway lights decrease from 120 watts to 50 watts, while taxiway lights decrease from 45 watts to 15 watts. Life expectancy increases from 2,000 hours for incandescent to 50,000 for LED.
The MAC began reducing airfield lighting energy use at MSP in 2019 by converting Runway 4-22 taxiway lighting and signage from incandescent to LED. It later completed LED conversions on runways 12L-30R in 2024 and 12R-30L in 2025.
The MAC is committed to keeping the community informed about MSP Airport construction and expected changes in aircraft activity. Updates will be shared through various channels, including newsletters, website updates, and community meetings. If you have any questions or concerns regarding airfield operations, aircraft noise, or runway closures due to construction, please contact our Community Relations Office at 612-726-9411. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain the safety and functionality of MSP Airport's infrastructure.
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We are a small community proud of our heritage and committed to the preservation of our pristine, rural character. We cherish our privacy, yet know we are part of a thriving Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. With these partnerships in mind, we strive to preserve that unique spirit which is Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.