Dca's Fourth Runway

[ITRADE]

I noticed in a recent photo of DCA from the air that there was a fourth runway - near the south end of the airport - looks like 9/27.

Any info on how long it was around? If it was usable for commercial operations?

It looks as if the runway was decomissioned and used as extra car parking.

 

[AtlanticBeach]

First time that I flew into DCA was 1971 in a Piper Arrow. I do not believe that the east-west runway was in operation at that time.

 

[flyin2low]

I think it was used into the 1950's, basically until jets came into the picture and couldn't use that short of a runway. I think that National or Eastern had a maintenance building down on that part of the field too.

 

[oldiebutgoody]

I haven't been there for a while, but in the main concourse at DCA (the old part) there is (was) a display showing the airport at various times during it's life. If you get a chance it's pretty interesting. There's also an exhibit of some local landmarks and aviation memorabilia there.

 

[USlurker]

There is an interesting web page on the history of DCA here

 

[RowUnderDCA]

Official FAA documents imply that the 'runway-shaped' pavement at the south end may have been a runway at sometime, because there is an 'X' indicated on the east end. However, it is just pavement, now.

 

[funguy2]

According to the MWAA history page, linked to the thread by USlurker, the E-W runway (9/27) was closed in 1956.