Small aircraft pilot reported due to renamed runways; at their home airport; lead to confusion and alignment of wrong runway resulted in a critical ground conflict and a go-around.
Synopsis
Small aircraft pilot reported due to renamed runways; at their home airport; lead to confusion and alignment of wrong runway resulted in a critical ground conflict and a go-around.
Narrative
I have flow out of Midway for years. There is currently some construction; resurfacing; and other work going on. I took a couple hours flight to Location X and back for currency and practice. Upon returning to Midway I was told to land on 31 Right. In all my years of flying I don't recall every having to land on 31 Right. I even questioned the controller and asked to land on 31 Left which was the runway I departed from. I was told a number of time to land on 31 Right. I know it is my fault as I am supposed to know everything about my flight. However apparently since my last flight of about a month ago they changed what was 31 Center to 31 Right. Apparently they have changed what was 31 Right to a Taxi way. I do not know at this time if that is a permanent change or if that is a temporary change do to resurfacing and/or construction. I will attempt to find out if the change is permanent. From my perspective there was never a possible critical issue; however from the tower position it may have looked like there was. I was instructed to do a go-around which is what I did without incident. However they asked me to call the tower after I parked; which I did at which time I was told that 31 Center is now 31 Right. The said that someone might call me because of this matter so I have opted to submit this report. Again I know it is my responsibility to have knowledge of these changes and I will further research of these modifications. I personally think it would have made more sense to continue to Call 31 Center 31 Center as 31 Right was rarely used; however that might be why they have decided to call 31 Center 31 Right. The person I spoke with in the tower was not sure if someone might contact me. They also did not know what prefix the number might be and since I don't normally answer calls I don't recognize I don't want anyone to think I am not being responsive. Thanking you in advance for your understanding of this matter.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.