Gary / Chicago International Airport’s runway expansion has made headway after the Canadian National Railroad agreed to relocate its railroad tracks.

The airport’s runway will be extended by 1,900 feet and is expected to be fully operational by 2011.

The construction of $35m runway expansion will begin after full binding legal agreement to be achieved in 90 days. The expansion should abide Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for runway safety areas.

The airport is also planning to purchase a piece of property within the expansion area from the Gary Community School. However, the school board has rejected the $375,000 offer given by the airport.