Follow the signs

  • Published
  • By Airman Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The warm sunny weather is here, and with it comes that time of year when people can't seem to get where they want to go.

That's right the construction season is in full swing with closed roads and detour routes for all Elmendorf members.

It seems like no matter where people go, people have to plan on taking at least one detour or two along the way nowadays. What makes matters worse for military members is that usually means there is going to be a gate closure or two as well.

With gates closings other gates tend to have long lines when entering or exiting during peak hours. The best anyone can do is smile and bear with it, because everyone else has to deal with it as well.

"It's because it's so short of a summer," said Staff Sgt. John Clements, the construction inspector with the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron, about the large amount of construction. "They have to cram as much construction into the warmer weather, especially for pavements, because they can't during the freeze/thaw period."

The CE staff has a schedule for the roads to close and tries to make it as easy as possible for drivers. When a road is finished and safe to drive on again it's opened, but with that another section or street is to be closed for construction.

For example, the Boniface Gate will be impacted by crash beams construction from June 8 to July 19, and Government Hill Gate will close for crash beam construction from July 20 to Aug. 16.

Drivers are asked to keep this in mind and try their best to be patient. "Follow signs, stay out of constructor's way, and don't go wondering onto construction sites," said Clements. As long as people follow these easy steps, the construction season will be quick.

So no matter where people are traveling to, as long as they mind the signs, there should be a quick and easy way for people to get where they need to go.

For more information on road construction or closures, call Clements at 552-4011.