LOS ANGELES (AP) Airport commissioners have approved a wider cross-field taxiway between the north and south runways to handle the new generation large airliners using Los Angeles International Airport.

The Board of Airport Commissioners on March 23 awarded the $82 million contract to R&L Brosamer Inc. The wider taxiway is a key modernization project to accommodate the Airbus A-380, the Boeing 747-8 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

No other aircraft can use the current cross-field taxiway when the larger planes are using it.

Construction begins in May.

In an effort to shore up Van Nuys Airport finances, commissioners also voted to boost fuel delivery fees eight cents a gallon. The airport has a budget deficit and the hike is expected to raise about $1.8 million a year.

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