Muldoon Gate to close Monday for upgrades

The Muldoon Gate and Provider Drive to the Shoppette intersection will close Monday through Oct. 14.

During the closure, Arctic Valley Gate (outbound only) will extend its hours from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to use Post Road and Richardson gates to reduce traffic at 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 furthest point from where our critical mission assets reside,” said Eric Carlson, 673d Security Forces Squadron deputy commander.

The gate upgrades will serve two main purposes.

First, they will bring the gate infrastructure into compliance with Department of Defense directives and guidance on bolstering installation perimeter security through specialized equipment to mitigate threats by personnel or vehicles.

They will also provide a better work environment for defenders in the form of a new guard house.

“This project implements the latest access control point standards,” said 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 on a larger study showing how entry points could be enhanced.

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

Finally, Aurora Military Family Housing is involved because the work affects residents of Chugach Housing.

While work will end in October, it will 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.”

Valencia cautioned drivers to pay attention to detours, signage and 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.

Several more projects at entry control points scheduled over the next two years will 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. “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.”

For updates, visit jber.jb.mil/Home/Closures/.