I would say it is just an access road (shortcut.) I think your thoughts regarding it not being a runway are correct.

where did you get that info from?

probably just an acess road.. id be supprised if anything major happens at area 51 anymore...

Originally posted by The Blade Runner
probably just an acess road.. id be supprised if anything major happens at area 51 anymore...

You have got to be kidding? I guess the testing of the USA's next generation aerospace projects isn't big anymore.

it could be a runway to test how the new planes they are developing land in substantial crosswinds.

yes that also,

but i did hear on the newws when colobia *spelling* desaster happend they were talking about a 2nd space shuttle landing stripe in "groom" lake

and they proubly made it that long way back when becouse they were thinking of having spaceshuttle attack planes i geuss

It is probably a small runway for UAV's, those things don't need too much space. There was a special on discovery channel about how UAVs are being pushed in military R & D. This would also explain the need for the fuel tanks in the satellite photo, which are positioned at the far end of the runway. Even if it is an access road, why the new fuel tanks? Why now?