Front gate construction moving into Phase II Published July 25, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Angela Shepherd Public Affairs Hurlburt Field, FL -- Phase I of the construction project at Hurlburt Field's main gate is nearing completion. Construction crews will begin work on the second and final phase of the project in mid-August. And while the first phase didn't create much of an impact on traffic, the upcoming phase will bring with it a new, but temporary traffic flow. Phase II includes the addition of canopies over the existing commercial vehicle search area and the regular traffic entrance area. These canopies will enable the guards to continue identification checks in all lanes during inclement weather. "Lightning warnings are a serious deal," said Col. Mike Smietana, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group commander. "When we receive a lightning warning from the base weather shop, we have to shut down all but one entrance lane to keep our people safe." To accommodate for the construction of the canopies, the current inbound lanes will be closed just before the visitors' control center and merged with the existing outbound lanes. In the morning, three of the four current outbound lanes will be opened up to incoming traffic, while one lane will be left open for outgoing traffic. In the afternoon, the flow will be reversed, allowing for three lanes for outbound traffic and one for inbound traffic. The traffic patterns will be marked off with cones and barrels which will be rearranged at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. in preparation for the different patterns. For those drivers needing to go to the VCC, one inbound lane will remain open, allowing access to the VCC parking lot. When drivers exit the lot, however, instead of turning right as they do now, they will turn left. "Morning traffic flow onto the base could go slower during the detour around the VCC, so it's possible that some additional backup could occur within the double left turn lanes of the eastbound Highway 98 traffic," said John Carruth, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron deputy civil engineer. "But it's unlikely this would result in any obstructions of the through lanes on eastbound Highway 98 traffic." Phase II construction also includes the installation of pop-up barriers across all inbound and outbound lanes on Cody Avenue just south of McMillan Street. While these are being added one at a time, traffic will be rerouted around the effected lane. As a result of the expected delays, drivers are urged to plan ahead during this second phase of construction. "Leave five to 10 minutes earlier while people are learning the new traffic patterns," Colonel Smietana said. "After a while, we'll get into a routine." Drivers are also reminded to be safe and cautious while making their way through the area. "Slow down and pay attention," Colonel Smietana added. "There will be people, equipment, cones and barrels, and a lot of activity to watch out for." For more information, to include maps and videos, please visit the front gate construction section of the base Web site at www.hurlburt.af.mil.