Mountain Home AFB main gate ready to open

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  After closing April 6, 2008, the Mountain Home Air Force Base main gate has undergone numerous changes and upgrades, and will officially reopen Feb. 11 at 6 a.m.

The eight phase construction project increased the number of inbound and outbound traffic lanes to three in each direction at the guard house; built a new visitor's center, guardhouse facility and weather canopy; installed permanent active vehicle barriers plus a security over-watch; and upgraded lighting and force protection-oriented landscaping. Additionally while the project was underway, Gunfighter Avenue was resurfaced between the main gate and the commissary.

The new main gate provides several improvements over the previous gate: there are smooth travel lanes over state-of-the-art active vehicle barriers; an extra pavement lane both inbound and outbound, which eases the flow of traffic and reduces wait times during rush-hour; a much larger visitor's center accommodates at least 20 seated customers in the waiting area; consolidated Pass and Identification operations in the visitor's center combines operations in one facility; and improved security and lighting.

"The new gate helps Mountain Home Air Force Base attain the highest force protection standards implemented because of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks," said Steve Gibbs, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron project management element team chief.

"The new gate improves our ability to control vehicles entering the base," said Tech. Sgt. Kurt Volker, 366th Fighter Wing force protection chief. "This means better protection for our people and resources because of the security and safety features included in the project."

To keep traffic flowing smoothly on and off base, both the 31V gate and Grand View gate were open to traffic during construction. While the Grand View gate will remain open 24-hours-a-day, the 31V gate will close at the same time the main gate reopens due to limitations in gate guard manpower.

"We truly appreciate everyone's patience while completing this project," said Mr. Gibbs. "In the long-run, this will make Mountain Home Air Force Base a safer place to work and raise our families."