Changes coming to South Gate Published May 6, 2009 95th Civil Engineer and Transporation Directorate EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Motorists entering or departing Edwards through the South Gate will join North Gate motorists in seeing significant changes to their daily routine beginning May 11. As part of a $2 million project to increase increase security and safety at the base entry control facility, the roadways at and near the South Gate will be reconfigured, area lighting extended and increased and new security barriers installed. "The construction efforts will basically extend a quarter of a mile, starting from the intersection with Mercury Blvd to the north," said Bill Papotta, 95th Civil Engineer and Transportation Directorate project manager. "When we complete this effort, we will be using road curvature to control traffic speed, which will improve safety and convenience for both motorists and our gate manning personnel, while greatly increasing our security against unauthorized entry." This is the second of our three Main Base entry gate upgrades. "By starting now, we will be able to complete both the South and North Gates prior to the October open house," said Brian Sponsler, lead traffic engineer. During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane each direction through the construction area, and identification checks and pass issuance will be performed at a temporary facility located just north of the construction area. "We will be staging our construction, and limiting our incursion into the desert," said Scott Fowler, ACE Engineering senior project manager. "However this will put our personnel closer to the traffic, and we need all motorists to use caution to keep our people and themselves safe." Establishment of the temporary Entry Control Facility is expected June 7 with gate roadway work extending through mid-September. Officials with 95th CE caution people to slow down and be careful through the construction area.