Those who work in the Building 1200 zone and use the West Gate will see changes in the coming weeks.

Greater base access and increased traffic safety were two cornerstones in the development of the new West Gate and associated traffic changes on Wardleigh Road, said Harry Briesmaster, 75th Civil Engineer Group director. Specifically, the new gate was moved east or further into the installation and additional checking lanes were added to facilitate access onto base and prevent backups into Clearfield and on I-15. Additional outbound lanes will also allow for increased egress off the base. Changes on Wardleigh Road are key to allow safety and efficient access into and around the 1200 zone facilities.

Col. Sarah Zabel, 75th Air Base Wing commander, is pleased with these changes that will have a poisitive impact and strongly advises all motorists to extend courtesy and exhibit caution as they acclimate to the new traffic flow adjustments.

Within a week, changes will allow drivers to familiarize themselves with the new gate area along with utilizing the new traffic light.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, drivers will stop at the old West Gate control point as normal and then drive through the new gate area. The old gate will still function as the control point until approximately March 12. The move is necessary to allow barrier placement to block off the old "M" Street at Wardleigh Road and for fence installment to begin.

Another key point: "The traffic light will become operational," said Mark Holt, Falcon Hill project manager.

On Monday, Feb. 27, two more key developments will occur:

• Dogwood Lane will permanently close at "M" Street. This means all access to the lower 1200 Building Series will occur through Wardleigh Avenue, either through the ramp in the middle of the 1200 series or Georgia Street.
• A four-way stop sign will be installed at Georgia and Wardleigh and a three-way stop sign at Colorado Street and Wardleigh. These will allow traffic flow into and out of the 1200 zone buildings and access will be ensured.

Entry control will move to the new West Gate once the new base boundary is complete and security forces are confident of the changes with the new gate facility.

The visitor center will remain operating in its current location until the contractor is able to pave the new visitor center parking lot.

In April a plan has been set in motion to allow for Friday closures in order to demolish the old gate. Limited access throughout the rest of the week will be likely in the mornings and evenings for incoming and outgoing vehicles as the number of lanes available are reduced during the demolition process. The plan would be similar to access the Roy Gate offered in the past.

Also ahead: On March 12, the new ICBM/Northrop Grumman Building, Building 1575, will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Falcon Hill Enhanced Use Lease Program personnel are excited to see a new commercial building; Building 1580 will begin construction as well.

"This is the first commercial building in the Falcon Hill development," said Dave Williamsen, Falcon Hill program manager. "The momentum is starting to grow and we're very optimistic. This will help Falcon Hill and ultimately the base.

"The second building will have multiple tenants, with contractors who have ongoing contracts with the base," Williamsen explained.

The new program manager is excited to see the changes as he took on the leadership role within the office. "There are so many good people here that are competent and confident," said Williamsen. He also voiced enthusiasm for the projects under way and their success.

Schedules and maps will be published in the Hilltop Times and on the Hill AFB website Falcon Hill link.

Address any comments to Mark Holt, Enhanced Use Lease Office (801) 586-3986.