Kerwood Gate open for all base personnel

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Hanson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
The Kerwood Gate, located by the base commissary and exchange, is available for all Hurlburt personnel traveling off base.

Base leadership opened the entrance to help relieve traffic congestion at the main gate during the U.S. Highway 98 overpass construction.

According to a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation, the overpass construction is expected to be finished in the spring, at which time base officials will re-evaluate the need for the Kerwood Gate.

The gate is open Monday through Friday, excluding family and safety days, from 3:30-6:00 p.m. for outbound traffic only.

"Its purpose is to provide Hurlburt Field personnel, who work on the east side of the installation, a more expeditious exit off the base onto U.S. Highway 98," said Capt. Joseph Farinash, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron operations officer.

Currently, there is no congestion at the Kerwood Gate. Wait times are approximately 10 to 90 seconds for drivers utilizing the exit.

"The traffic light at the Kerwood Gate allows cars to exit the installation and go either westbound or eastbound onto U.S. Highway 98," said Farinash.

So, whether you live in Navarre or Fort Walton Beach, using the Kerwood Gate could save you time and help alleviate after-work traffic.