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Why is AUS airport messing with runway numbers?

We admit it. We’ve always been mystified by the numbers on the signs along airport runways.

The signs seem even more perplexing when an airport reports that the numbers must be changed because of something going on with magnetic changes in the earth.

So we paid extra attention to this Twitter thread from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Now we want to find out more.

There's construction going on at AUS! 👷‍♀️🛫

If you've driven by the airport recently, you may have noticed that one of our runways is currently closed. That's because we're doing work to not only improve the runway, but also because, well… SCIENCE! pic.twitter.com/ro0aofOw0D
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) October 22, 2020

We also do regular studies of the conditions of the pavement on our runways and taxiways, and make improvements when needed.

For this project, that means adding new concrete panels in some high traffic areas. pic.twitter.com/EuERRukKFG
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) October 22, 2020

For example, runway 17L/35R here at AUS aligns towards 170 and 350 degrees: pic.twitter.com/dYMO8QS5dR
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) October 22, 2020

What does that mean for us?

IT'S TIME TO RENAME OUR RUNWAYS!!! pic.twitter.com/XFKxIzHmEH
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) October 22, 2020

Anyways, that's today's construction update AND science lesson.

Thanks again to all the fantastic folks working on this project to make the #FlyAUStin experience even better, and thank you for reading! pic.twitter.com/8NmVvUhqY6
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AustinAirport) October 22, 2020