The last 3000 feet of runway centerline lights are color-coded for what purpose?

The last 3000 feet of runway centerline lights are color-coded to warn pilots and ground vehicles about the runway end. This specific use of lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing safety during critical phases of flight, such as landing and takeoff. The color coding serves as a visual cue to alert operators that they are approaching the end of the runway, which is vital information during low visibility conditions or at night when it may be difficult to see the runway's length. Understanding this distinction is important for ensuring safe operations on the runway, especially in busy airport environments like O'Hare.

The other options, while they touch on important aspects of airport operations, do not specifically address the primary function of the color-coded lighting in this context. Maintenance areas, safety zones, and runway lighting during poor visibility are managed by different protocols and markings within airport operations.