After a summer of near misses, some major changes are being inacted at Logan International Airport by the Massachussetts Port Authority to make the Boston airport safer for the flying public.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Massachusetts Port Authority yesterday announced a series of changes designed to prevent runway episodes at Logan International Airport, and to reassure travelers heading into the busy holiday season.

After an intensive five-week investigation, the agencies agreed to these measures:

Speeding approval and construction of a 9,300-foot taxiway that would keep planes going to and from gates from crossing runways in use by other planes.

Placing strict limits on planes taking off on runways not normally part of takeoff patterns; that scenario led to a close call on June 9.

Requiring ”back-to-basics” training for controllers, which could include checking how quickly they talk and how promptly they give instructions to pilots. via The Boston Globe

This is good news. Lets hope they do a better job with this project than they have done with the Big Dig, otherwise they may have to shut down the airport for good.