Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 171
ATC Issue All Types; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Airport
Have been noticing over the summer that the rubber buildup on the touchdown zone of MDW [Runway] 31C is getting quite thick. Striping is becoming obscured. Have had the thought that landing on 13C could become 'sporty' during rollout. Have also thought that landing with contamination on 13C could lead to a situation where 'good' braking action would be experienced until midpoint and then action could quickly become 'poor' in rollout due to rubber buildup. We landed 13C with contamination (-RA & BR) and a fairly heavy aircraft. Braking action was 'good' with maximum autobrake used and required. Deceleration rate in rollout area (31C touchdown area) was consistent with 'good'; but anti-skid did cycle several times. An additional threat: when you begin to enter the rubberized area you are also at the point of normal autobrake disarm. That transition with slippery conditions could lead to problems. The officials at the Chicago Airport Authority need to get one of those fancy trucks with the high-power water jets for cleaning runways and clean the runway.
Air carrier First Officer believes that the rubber build up in the touch down zone of Runway 31C has reached a level that requires the airport authority to take action and clean it. Runway markings are obscured and the braking action is reduced in this area.