'Smart Gate' barrier project to begin Monday

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tracy L. DeMarco
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Main gate commuters will begin using a new traffic pattern when construction on a new barrier project to increase security begins here Monday.

Four final denial barriers are planned for installation as part of the Air Force's Smart Gate program, which calls for hundreds of barriers to be installed at hundreds of sites worldwide. 

"Our first line of defense is the perimeter," said Master Sgt. Troy Blackburn, 100th Air Refueling Wing antiterrorism officer. "Providing necessary security at our perimeter - including entry control facilities - will allow 'life as normal' within the base to the maximum extent possible." 

An immediate right can be expected for base pass holders

Authorized motorists will not drive past the visitor control center and under the canopy during construction. Instead, after they turn left off the A1101, they will be directed straight ahead, where they will turn right towards an identification checkpoint located further down North Perimeter Road.

The VCC and search barn will remain open to contractors and visitors.

When escorting a vehicle on base, the escort will have to exit the base via gate 1 and meet their party at the VCC. The escort will then re-enter the base using the path through or around the search barn along with the vehicle being escorted.

Members of the 100th CES are making preparations - such as erecting new traffic signs and applying freshly painted road markings - to assist drivers with the new route.

Built in safety mechanisms protect Airmen

"A safety suppression loop system located on the leading and trailing edge of the barrier prevents the system from accidentally being raised under any vehicle," said Master Sgt. Felix Gomez, the 100th CES traffic working group point of contact. "In addition there are warning lights and signage to warn the oncoming vehicles."

Because the barriers can be deployed in two modes (emergency, when they rise in less than 2 seconds, and the standard up or down mode), drivers shouldn't rely solely on the safety sensors and should remain alert when entering base.

Completion is forecasted for mid-November

The total cost of the project is $588,000, and the actual work will be done by local contractors under the guidance of U.S. system designers and contractors. When finished there will be two sets of two barriers each in two locations along the north side of Perimeter Road. 

According to Tony Rawson, 100th Civil Engineering project manager, the biggest challenges will be minimizing disruption of some base operations and reducing the annoyance level for personnel and their families.

"We apologize for the inconvenience caused and ask (everyone) to be vigilant of the traffic flow system during construction," Mr. Rawson said. "In the long term, this project will help ensure a safer working and living environment."

"Ultimately, the purpose of this new barrier project is to stop unauthorized vehicles from entering the base," Sergeant Blackburn said. "Most individuals who attempt to enter the installation without authorization are lost, confused, or inattentive. But, there are also those whose intent is to run the gate. A properly-designed barrier will take into account both groups; safely stopping the individuals who have made an honest mistake and stopping those with hostile intentions."