Brace For Takeoff
Noisy Airplanes To Fly Over Park Hill Through September
By Cara DeGette
Editor, GPHN
A recent marked increase in air traffic flying directly over Park Hill has rattled some residents this summer — some of whom still vividly remember the ear-splitting roar of airplanes during the 80s and early 90s, when Stapleton Airport was right next door.
Denver International Airport officials say the increase in air traffic over Park Hill is a temporary annoyance. One of the airport’s main north/south runways on the west side of the airfield — the runway is called 16L/34R — is closed and undergoing construction.
“This runway typically contains approximately 40 percent of our operations,” said DIA spokeswoman Alex Renteria. “That runway is pretty important to us.”
The runway, one of six at the airport, is heavily used by departing aircraft from DIA. While it’s under construction, many airplanes are now taking off in a flight pattern that takes them directly over Park Hill.
Construction on 16L/34R began in mid-May and is expected to be completed by the end of September. The project, which is being overseen by Senior Operations Manager Sarah Steves, includes rehabbing the runway’s original concrete material, installing LED lighting and new signage. DIA marked its 25th year in operation last year.
Madeline White, who lives near 16th and Kearney Street, said she has noticed the airplanes often fly over in loud but brief bursts throughout the day. One Monday morning in July she said she counted 30 planes flying overhead in the span of just a few minutes. Then, the skies were clear for many hours, before another burst of airplanes passed overhead.
White said she spoke with one neighbor who was having lunch with friends in her back yard, and had to pause conversations when the noise became so loud. Other Park Hill residents have reported the noisy air traffic seems to be the worst in the morning and early evening hours.
Numerous Park Hillians have called the noise information line at DIA (303-342-2000) to complain about the increase in traffic. The airport’s website has a section dedicated to noise management and other information, including an online system that allows people to track air traffic. The link is flydenver.com/about/administration/noise.