Story perspectives

LaGuardia Runway 4 Reopens After Sinkhole, Over 150 Delays

5/24/2026

Summary

Port Authority Reopens

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reopened LaGuardia’s Runway 4 on Friday at 7:45 p.m., missing the planned Thursday opening.
Engineers used ground-penetrating radar Thursday, flagged concern areas and ordered repairs after a sinkhole was found Wednesday.
The single-runway operation caused over 150 delays and six cancellations by 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Officials including executive director Kathryn Garcia urged travelers to check with airlines as the sinkhole investigation continues.

Summary

Port Authority Probes

Investigators are probing the LaGuardia fuel line project as a possible sinkhole trigger.
Port Authority engineers are adding coring samples to radar scans to locate hidden voids.
Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said staff first spotted the sinkhole during routine pavement inspections.
Officials pledged to verify structural integrity before full operations resume.
Crews worked around the clock on inspections and repairs to limit disruptions ahead of the Memorial Day travel surge.

History

Historical Context

On August 1 2007 the I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapsed, killing 13 and halting a key commuter route. Within hours MnDOT and federal officials, including President George W. Bush, secured emergency funding and accelerated a design-build contract worth $234 million. Governor Tim Pawlenty and local leaders also pushed for a ten-lane, 100-year design. The replacement St. Anthony Falls Bridge opened September 18 2008, restoring traffic ahead of schedule.

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Port Authority Reopens

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reopened LaGuardia’s Runway 4 on Friday at 7:45 p.m., missing the planned Thursday opening.
Engineers used ground-penetrating radar Thursday, flagged concern areas and ordered repairs after a sinkhole was found Wednesday.
The single-runway operation caused over 150 delays and six cancellations by 9:30 a.m. Friday.
Officials including executive director Kathryn Garcia urged travelers to check with airlines as the sinkhole investigation continues.

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