TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. —
After 11 months of upgrades, Tinker Air Power Base’s foremost gate has reopened to visitors, boasting quite a few security and safety enhancements.
The $3.4 million undertaking was accomplished early, easing entry for the hundreds of autos that transit the gate each week, a part of a course of to carry Tinker’s gates into compliance with up to date safety necessities.
“We now have had building ongoing since 2018 to carry our gates into compliance with Division of Protection safety requirements and supply Safety Forces with high quality amenities and operational techniques at every gate,” mentioned Stephanie Wilson, Tinker civil engineer with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate. “We respect the persistence of Workforce Tinker and stay up for finishing these enhancements over the subsequent 12-15 months.”
The improved Tinker Gate opened Dec. 26, 2021. Enhancements targeted on growing the gate’s operational capability and safety capabilities, in addition to enhancing security for the Defenders who employees the gate and people who move by way of it.
Drivers and pedestrians will discover main security enhancements. Sidewalks connecting the I-40 overpass intersection, customer heart, guard home and Trade/Commissary car parking zone have been added. The sidewalks characteristic People with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and crosswalk striping.
The brand new sidewalks will make it simpler and safer for Airmen dwelling within the dormitories, who could not personal a automotive, to entry off-base sources similar to procuring, public transportation and rideshare companies.
On the safety entrance, two automobile inspection areas with shelters and 42 further lights have been added. A bigger, extra protecting guard home was additionally put in. This has the facet good thing about permitting extra Defenders to be stationed on the gate to reply to visitors demand.
Visitors management options similar to computerized drop arms and built-in lane lights will assist handle visitors throughout peak journey instances.
“Upgrades to the gate embrace automated swing arms in every lane to facilitate a a lot sooner turnaround course of when autos method the gate with out correct credentials,” Wilson mentioned. “This automated course of replaces the necessity for Defenders to stroll out into the outbound lanes to put cease sticks to halt visitors for turnarounds.”
Contracts for the upgrades have been awarded in October 2018 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, specifying work on the Tinker, Piazza and Lancer Gates. Work on the Piazza Gate was accomplished in July 2021.
Comparable work on the Lancer Gate is anticipated to start in March as soon as work is full on the Liberator Gate, lasting an estimated 12 months.
As well as, Wilson mentioned Hruskocy Gate building is ongoing.
“Many of the building together with a gate home, cover, and lighting is being labored west of the present inbound lanes so there is no such thing as a disruption to visitors,” she mentioned. “Nonetheless, as soon as this work is full the gate will shut for a quick interval for set up of the ultimate denial barrier system and demolition of the present gate home.”
The Tinker Gate is known as in honor of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker, a local Oklahoman who misplaced his life whereas on a fight mission close to Wake Island within the Pacific, throughout World Conflict II.
