Runway 12-30 at Dulles went into service in 1962. After over 40 years of use, it needed to be rebuilt from the ground up. The goal was to complete the job as quickly as possible to minimize service disruptions. By June 2004, the excavation was done.

The initial layer of the reconstructed runway is asphalt. This layer will later be covered with a thicker layer of concrete. Photo from June, 2004.

Concrete is delivered to the machine which will aid in the paving of the reconstructed Runway 12-30. Photo from July 2004.

A new layer of concrete after being applied in the reconstruction of Runway 12-30 at Dulles. Photo from July 2004.

A strip of ground awaits the application of concrete as part of the runway reconstruction. Photo from July 2004.

The large scope of this project is evident as the long strips of concrete are visible into the distance. Photo from July 2004.

Embedded in the new concrete are highly durable lighting fixtures that will guide aircraft upon takeoff or landing. Photo from July 2004.

Lights are installed in each of the embedded fixtures. The boxes in which the lights were received are visible on the newly reconstructed runway. Photo from August 2004.

The last step in the reconstruction is applying the runway markings. Here the number "12" shows the runway's directional compass heading is about 120 degrees, or southeast. Photo from August 2004.

The first aircraft departure from the rebuilt Runway 12-30 was this American Airlines flight. The runway was rebuilt ahead of schedule thanks to around-the-clock construction. Photo from August 2004.

An aircraft enters the reconstructed runway 30 in preparation for takeoff. Aerial photo from March 2006.

Good aerial view of the Runway 12-30 complex. Only the runway was reconstructed as part of the 2004 project. Photo from March 2006.

A passenger jet prepares for takeoff on Runway 30 at Dulles. Photo from September 2006.