Franklin County officials, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), have announced a public information meeting to discuss the proposed extension of Runway 05/23 at Triangle North Executive Airport. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Franklin Plaza building in Louisburg. The public can attend between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m., and there will be no formal presentation.
The project proposes extending the runway by about 700 feet to improve airport operations and support economic development in both Franklin County and the Research Triangle Region through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP AV-5819). Additional planned improvements include realigning nearby roads, relocating utilities and weather systems, and updating navigational aids and lighting. These changes are intended to accommodate larger corporate aircraft, enhance safety, and prepare for future growth.
According to organizers, “The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the project to the public and for the project team to be available to answer questions and receive feedback on the proposed project. The comments and information received will be taken into consideration as work on the project develops.”
The upgrades are expected to help Triangle North Executive Airport meet updated FAA safety standards while supporting broader efforts to improve transportation access across North Carolina.
Information about this project is available on Triangle North Executive Airport’s website at https://tinyurl.com/FlyTNEA. Comments can also be submitted through NCDOT’s portal at https://publicinput.com/lhz-runway-extension, by phone at 984-205-6615 (project code 9931), or by email until Friday, December 12th, 2025.
NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids under the Americans with Disabilities Act for those who need them. Interpretive services are also available upon request for individuals who do not speak English or have limited English proficiency.
Triangle North Executive Airport is owned by Franklin County and contributes $85.55 million annually to North Carolina’s economy while supporting over 395 jobs and generating more than $4.3 million in tax revenue.
Franklin County continues its transition from an agricultural base toward industrial growth while maintaining its small-town character. Residents benefit from local amenities with easy access to Raleigh and Research Triangle Park.
In related educational news, recent data show that among Franklin County school districts in the 2022-23 school year:
– Of 510 senior students taking the science portion of the ACT, only about 15% were considered ready for college; among juniors (551 students), roughly 13% met this benchmark (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
– For reading readiness on the ACT, nearly a quarter of seniors (24%) out of 510 tested were deemed college-ready; juniors had similar results with approximately 23% out of 551 students achieving readiness (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
– In math readiness on the ACT, just under 13% of seniors (65 out of 510) were considered prepared for college-level work; among juniors, about 11% reached this standard (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
