Muldoon Gate to strengthen installation defense, close for 8 weeks

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Curt Beach
  • 673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The Muldoon Gate and Provider Drive, from the gate to the Shoppette intersection, are scheduled to close from Aug. 20 to Oct. 14.

 

During the closure, Arctic Valley Gate (outbound only) will extend its hours from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, use of Post Road and Richardson Gates is encouraged to not over-stress the Boniface Gate.

 

“The perimeter is truly the installation's ‘first line of defense,’ and the upgrades will provide our defenders with means to more effectively detect and defeat a threat at the outer most boundary of the perimeter, at the furthest point from where our critical mission assets reside,” said Eric Carlson, 673d Security Forces Squadron deputy commander.

 

Muldoon Gate upgrades will serve two main purposes.

 

First, they will bring the gate infrastructure into compliance with Department of Defense directives and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's guidance on bolstering/improving installation perimeter security through installation of specialized equipment designed to mitigate hostile threats posed by personnel or vehicles.

 

Secondly, they will provide a better work environment and quality of life for Defenders, in the form of a new entry control guard house.

 

“This project implements the latest access control point standards,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Vhance Valencia, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “We want to ensure this gate, as with all gates, meets the latest safety requirements for drivers and passengers accessing the base and is sized appropriately for the amount of traffic that flows through it.”

 

Some of the design features in this gate upgrade include a built-in means to slow down vehicles as they approach the gate, newer pop-up barriers, and an improved guard house.

 

The project is a collaborative effort involving the synergy of a collection of agencies from 673d CES to security forces, military police, contracting and base housing offices.

 

“We have a very strong team of professionals on this base who look after the installation's infrastructure and security perimeter,” Valencia said. “For the Muldoon Gate project to happen, as engineers, we need to know what the requirements are, and that takes strong teamwork and communication with our base residents and visitors.”

 

The 673d SFS was able to provide input based off of a larger gate study that showed how base entry points could be enhanced.

 

The 673d Contracting Squadron is a crucial partner in the effort, ensuring the contracts are in place to hire necessary companies to bring the plan to fruition.

 

Finally, Aurora Military Family Housing is involved because this work will affect the residents of Chugach Housing in the commute to and from their homes.

 

While work on the Muldoon gate will end in October, it’s scheduled to continue in summer of 2019.

 

“The Alaska construction season is short, and the upgrades to the gate are extensive,” Valencia said. “Given that, we've phased out the work. When the work is completed in October, we'll take down the traffic detour signs, but come May, we'll put them right back up and complete the final phases of work.”

 

Valencia cautions drivers on the installation to pay attention to detours, traffic signage and obey speed limits. 

 

“Lots of orange construction signs mean changes in the traffic pattern, and this means a higher likelihood of accidents – something we all want to avoid,” Valencia said.

 

Access to Chugach housing area will be through Wilkins Avenue for detour routes and housing access.

 

Several more projects at entry control points scheduled over the next two years willd further enhance and improve the installation's perimeter security posture.

 

“I know these projects can be disruptive and inconvenient for the community, and we appreciate everyone's patience as these projects progress,” Carlson said. “Ultimately the improvements will bolster our installation's readiness by better protecting personnel and resources postured to respond to whatever threat the world throws our way.”

 

Stay current on the latest JBER road construction updates by visiting http://www.jber.jb.mil/Home/Closures/