The runways are about twice as thick as an average road and four times wider. These specifications exceed FAA certification requirements. Air controllers can shift traffic quickly from one runway to another, depending on the wind direction, with minimal delays or disruption of air traffic. No runway crosses another, minimizing the chance of aircraft traffic jams or collisions. A fourth pad is located near the cargo apron.
Planes can proceed to takeoff shortly after leaving a pad.
Deicing fluids are collected and piped into storage tanks for recycling. Denver's 327-foot control tower is the tallest FAA structure in North America. Its 33 stories give air traffic controllers an unobstructed view of all runways. The FMA system uses radar, computers and color monitors to give real-time tracking information to controllers who are monitoring the final approaches of landing aircraft. 29 wind speed and direction sensors provide crucial wind shear information to a central computer that reports to air traffic controllers.