Sydney Airport has completed the $25 million installation of runway stop bars at 47 locations across its three runways.
The stop bars — a series of inset red lights across the width of the taxiway at each runway entry point as well as elevated lights on each side of the taxiway — are meant to minimise the risk of runway incursions.
When an aircraft or vehicle is cleared to enter the runway, the stop bar lights are extinguished and green ‘lead-on’ lights illuminate, providing a path to the runway.
Pilots and airfield drivers will also continue to receive verbal clearance to enter the runway, but airport officials say the stop bars add another layer of safety.