See related story on the UTA bus service during this project/Page 3
Earlier this week, the Hill Air Force Base South Gate closed for eight weeks to accommodate installation of a new wedge barrier and new speed tables to enhance the security of the South Gate entrance. The closure includes all foot and bicycle traffic.
The project is scheduled for March 22 to May 15.
During the first three weeks of construction, the intersection at Balmer Street and South Gate Drive will remain open to east- and west-bound traffic. After the third week, the intersection will close to minimize traffic and speed the construction process.
Additionally, the area near the South Gate where the motorcycle training course is located will be converted into a temporary parking area. Otherwise, drivers entering through the East Gate will need to travel around the airfield to Wardleigh to access the rest of the base.
The following gate hours will apply during the construction period.
West Gate: Open 24 hours
Roy Gate: Open 24 hours
East Gate: Open 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday
Southwest Gate: Open 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday
The Roy Gate is also able to handle a slightly higher traffic volume because security forces are able to convert an extra lane into inbound or outbound traffic at high-volume times as necessary.
Another option for employees is public transit, to help alleviate traffic flow for the duration of the project. UTA public transit buses can accommodate up to 700 passengers to and from Hill AFB.
Following is a list of frequently asked questions:
I use UTA’s public transit service. How will that be impacted?
UTA is aware of the construction and has developed alternate pick-up times at stops along the regular route. Times will be posted at each stop, or you can visit the UTA website for more information at http://rideuta.com. UTA projects that there will be minimal impact to transit, but be prepared that if traffic is particularly heavy, you may have to wait a little longer than normal to connect with the FrontRunner.
Will the South Gate Visitor Center close during construction?
Yes. The South Gate Visitor Center will closed during construction. The center will temporarily relocate to the West Gate Visitor Center for the duration of the project. The West Gate Visitor Center will be open from 5 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday.
Can pedestrians and cyclists use the gates during construction?
Pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to enter or exit the base through the South Gate during construction.
What is the purpose of installing these wedge barriers and higher speed tables?
Hill AFB is replacing speed tables installed in 2014 to improve speed control performance. The original speed table installation, while technically within regulation, proved inadequate at calming traffic to the desired degree so the speed tables will be raised and new wedge barriers will be installed.
What is a speed table?
Speed tables are similar to speed bumps, but with sloping angular sides instead of a rounded profile.
What is a wedge barrier?
A wedge barrier is a powerful, wedge-shaped, hydraulic press that is deployed by security forces to prevent access to the installation.
What will the changes look like?
The barriers and speed tables will be similar in height and structure as the West Gate and will be more effective at calming traffic than the current features.
Why has the project to update the wedge barriers and speed tables taken so long to be changed?
The primary factor hindering the project has been acquiring funding. The funding has been approved, and we are happy to move forward with this construction that will increase security for the base population.
How much will the construction project cost?
The estimated total for the project is $850,000.
How long will construction take?
The project is scheduled to last eight weeks, from March 22 to May 15, contingent upon weather conditions.
What happens if construction takes longer than expected due to poor weather?
The installation of the project will be delayed until the weather clears and it is dry enough to install the tables.
Where and when will delays be announced?
If delays occur, they will be announced on the Hill AFB website (www.hill.af.mil) and via email.
Who should I contact for more information about the construction?
Contact the 75th Civil Engineer Group Project Manager at 801-777-0458.
Visit www.hill.af.mil for construction updates and information.
