A critical runway New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport officially re-opened this week following a complete overhaul that began earlier this year.

Runway 13L-31R, which handles nearly half of JFK’s arriving planes, was closed for concrete repaving that widened the runway by 33 percent and quadrupled its useful lifespan. The project also replaced electrical systems with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including energy efficient and long-lasting LED lights. And a new high-speed taxiway will improve operational efficiency and reduce runway occupancy time per arrival.

The project is part of a comprehensive Port Authority program of airport infrastructure improvements focused on enhanced safety and reduced flight delays. For more information, read the Port Authority’s press release.

Delta operates more than 200 peak-day departures to more than 80 destinations worldwide from its JFK hub.