Changes come to North Gate

  • Published
  • By Brian Sponsler
  • 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Motorists entering or departing Edwards through the North Gate will see significant changes to their daily routine starting soon and for the next several months. 

As part of a nearly $2 million effort to increase roadway safety and base security, the roadways at and near the North Gate will be re-configured. Area lighting will be extended and increased, and new security barriers, activation and warning systems installed. 

"The construction efforts will basically extend from the curve to the railroad tracks," said Dan Trujillo, 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate project manager. "When we complete this effort, we will be using road curvature to control traffic speeds at the entry control facility area. This will allow us to get rid of our bollards, temporary barriers and cones, and improve safety and convenience for motorists and our gate manning personnel alike." 

Such a large construction effort will have temporary impacts, however. 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 near Rosamond Boulevard and North Base Road. 

"We were able to stage construction to limit our incursion into the desert, which is prime habitat for the Desert Tortoise," said Scott Fowler, senior project manager with the ACE Engineering, a contractor. "We were excited to find a way to execute the project within budget without encroaching on the tortoise habitat. However, this will put our personnel closer to the traffic flow. We need all motorists to use caution and to conform to all traffic regulations, especially speed, and be alert to equipment movement and flagging personnel." 

Surveys are underway and the establishment of the temporary entry control facility is expected for Feb. 17, with work extending through mid-July. The 95th Security Forces Squadron is reminding motorists to slow down and use caution through the construction area. 

"We are committed to maintaining all existing services at our temporary location because everyone understands the travel distances at Edwards," said Lt. Col. Steven Heffington, 95th SFS commander. "However, if you can, consider taking the West Gate during this construction period."