Narrative:

I was gratified when plans were announced to build new taxiways at the south end of the east side runways. These taxiways; built for $66 million; would ensure that there are no runway incursions because no crossing of runways would be required. That's good news; in my view: I don't have to worry about causing or being victimized by a runway incursion. Incredibly; six months after completion of the project; the taxiways are rarely ever used - leaving me; the air traffic controllers and other aircraft vulnerable as usual. It is incomprehensible why this very expensive and effective means of eliminating runway incursions is not being used. In a south flow; all arrivals should land on the outboard 2 runways; then taxi in on these new taxiways; which 'eliminate' runway crossings. The departing aircraft can taxi as normal for takeoff on runway 17L; also without crossing any runways. On a north flow; departing aircraft could avoid any runway crossing by taxiing out to runway 35C and 35R on the new taxiway; arrivals could land on runway 35L and clear the runway; again; with no runway crossing required. I have landed on runway 17L and requested the new taxiway to taxi in (it wasn't offered; but it was approved). I noted another aircraft behind us took the old route; requiring the crossing of two active runways. We never stopped; taxiing smoothly; and by the time the aircraft on the traditional route had been cleared twice to cross; we were within 400 yards of him; having never stopped taxiing. The suggestions I have made do require a slight change to present north ops - but that is no way reduces capacity; it's just different. If dfw and the FAA are serious about reducing runway incursions; why is this $66 million dollar solution being ignored? As a pilot; I would welcome the safety margin provided by the new taxiways - I don't want to be the one who screws up a crossing or is the victim of someone else's mistake.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A MD80 pilot commented that the new DFW Taxiways P; ES; M and JS if utilized could prevent all runway incursions on the east side of the airport. They are currently not offered and unutilized.

Narrative: I was gratified when plans were announced to build new taxiways at the South end of the East side runways. These taxiways; built for $66 million; would ensure that there are no runway incursions because no crossing of runways would be required. That's good news; in my view: I don't have to worry about causing or being victimized by a runway incursion. Incredibly; six months after completion of the project; the taxiways are rarely ever used - leaving me; the air traffic controllers and other aircraft vulnerable as usual. It is incomprehensible why this very expensive and effective means of eliminating runway incursions is not being used. In a south flow; all arrivals should land on the outboard 2 runways; then taxi in on these new taxiways; which 'eliminate' runway crossings. The departing aircraft can taxi as normal for takeoff on Runway 17L; also without crossing any runways. On a north flow; departing aircraft could avoid any runway crossing by taxiing out to Runway 35C and 35R on the new taxiway; arrivals could land on Runway 35L and clear the runway; again; with no runway crossing required. I have landed on Runway 17L and requested the new taxiway to taxi in (it wasn't offered; but it was approved). I noted another aircraft behind us took the old route; requiring the crossing of two active runways. We never stopped; taxiing smoothly; and by the time the aircraft on the traditional route had been cleared twice to cross; we were within 400 yards of him; having never stopped taxiing. The suggestions I have made do require a slight change to present north ops - but that is no way reduces capacity; it's just different. If DFW and the FAA are serious about reducing runway incursions; why is this $66 million dollar solution being ignored? As a pilot; I would welcome the safety margin provided by the new taxiways - I don't want to be the one who screws up a crossing or is the victim of someone else's mistake.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.