CHICAGO, IL Walsh Construction is set to begin constructing the eastern portion of the new 9C/27C east-west runway at O'Hare International Airport. The runway will be the airport's second largest, and will measure 11,245 feet long by 200 feet wide. 

The new runway is expected to improve on-time performance and will accommodate the airport's largest commercial aircraft consisting of international arrivals and departures. 

"This project significantly increases safety and efficiency, and addresses the impact of airport noise by balancing O'Hare's airfield operations," the city's Aviation Commissioner, Ginger Evans, said.

The runway, expected to open in 2020, is part of ongoing construction work to improve airport operations and expand capacity.