As Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety and design standards continue to evolve, Waukegan National Airport’s existing Runway 5/23 is no longer fully compliant with those guidelines. To provide a runway that fully adheres to FAA criteria, the Waukegan National Airport has proposed a new replacement runway that enhances safety, brings the airport into compliance, and protects and serves airport users and the surrounding community. Throughout the FAA’s ongoing environmental review, the Waukegan National Airport has worked diligently to revise and refine the runway safety project to meet new and updated federal safety standards. We are grateful for the Lake County community’s continued patience and support, and we are pleased to move this important safety project forward with renewed clarity from our federal, state and local partners.
The following link will direct you to a draft environmental assessment. A 6,000-foot replacement runway will be constructed 400 feet to the northwest of the existing runway centerline to adhere to runway safety area and runway object free area criteria. The 6,000-foot replacement runway will require a grade separation over Illinois Route 131-Green Bay Road through the construction of a tunnel. Portions of the existing Runway 5/23 will be repurposed as a future compliant parallel taxiway to the replacement runway, and a portion will be grade separated over Illinois Route 131 with a bridge.
Draft Environmental Assessment Link
Download Environmental Assessment Here
The Draft Environmental Assessment will be the subject of a Public Hearing. The Public Hearing on the Draft Environmental Assessment will be held on December 8, 2026 from 3PM to 7PM at the Waukegan National Airport, 2601 Plane Rest Drive, Waukegan, IL. The facility is ADA compliant.
Submit comments by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on January 6, 2027 to clouden@cmtengr.com