Base Gate to Close for Construction Project
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --
Gate 12A (Air Force Materiel Command gate) in Area A will temporarily close for construction beginning April 3 at 6 p.m.
The project is expected to last approximately 21 days, cost around $920,000 and feature enhancements that will improve the security of the base.
Fred Tito, a design manager in the 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Group and manager of the project, said the upgrade will benefit the base by improving security.
"This project will improve security by making necessary upgrades at one of the busiest gates at Wright-Patt" Tito said. "At the end of construction we'll have a gate that meets our requirements."
During the construction period, traffic will be unable to enter or exit 12A. Employees and visitors who frequently use this gate are encouraged to use Gate 1A as an alternative. They are also asked to anticipate delays during peak travel hours and to adjust their travel plans accordingly in the morning, at lunch and in the afternoon.
According to Tito, a team of base engineers, safety and Security Forces professionals will monitor traffic and make adjustments as the situation dictates.
"There will be a lot of people monitoring traffic flow," he said. "Extra entry capacity including additional guards will be added to gates 1A and 15A to minimize congestion."
During the project, Gate 15A will temporarily join Gate 1A as the 24 hour access points for Area A.
Construction is scheduled to be completed on Monday, April 27, at which time Gate 12A will reopen for normal duty hours.
"Security is one of my top priorities here at Wright-Patterson," said Col. John Devillier, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation Commander. "While closing the gate is necessary, we understand that this will be inconvenient for many people. We ask for everyone's patience during this period and want to assure you that we are looking at every possible measure to minimize disruption."