White Avenue is open to two-way traffic from Irish Hill to U.S. 90, city infrastructure contractors report, but Keesler says the base’s main gate will remain closed to motorists and pedestrians until Oct. 28.
To accommodate increased traffic at other gates, Keesler is keeping the Pass Road and Meadows Road gates open 24 hours a day.
The adjusted gate operations for the gates, which began in September, will continue, Keesler says, until city contactor Hemphill Construction completes its White Avenue work, which includes installing new water, sewer and storm drains at the intersection of White and Father Ryan avenues, a block south of the Keesler gate.
The Keesler Visitors Center’s Monday-through-Friday operations will move to both the Pass Road and Meadows Road gates. The vetting process will remain the same, Keesler says.
Base personnel should attempt to get visitor passes issued during the week. Keesler also advises that visitors may experience a longer-than-usual wait for a visitor pass because of increased visitor traffic. Drivers in the surrounding areas should continue to plan for heavy traffic in and around the base, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
Normal gate hours will resume once the off-base construction project is complete, Keesler says.
For more information on the adjusted gate schedule, please contact 81st Training Wing Public Affairs at 228-377-1179 or email 81trw.pamain@us.af.mil.