Back in business -- Gate 19B reopens with new security, safety features

  • Published
  • By Stacey Geiger
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – After being closed for over two months to construct a new gate entry in Area B, Gate 19B (National Road gate) reopened June 12.  

Similar to Gate 12A off Route 444, the $1.3 million construction project included building an overhead canopy and installing six new guard booths improving security of Wright-Patterson AFB and safety of the 88th Security Forces defenders.

“With the exception of a few minor challenges which were transparent to others, the construction went very well and everyone who worked on the project did a good job overcoming those challenges,” said Eric Buckingham, 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Group chief of construction management.

No delays were incurred with the construction project allowing the gate to reopen on 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineering’s initial projected completion date of June 12.

“Jeremy Hoffman, 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Group construction manager and Walter Lee, 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Group design manager, were instrumental in ensuring the project ran smoothly and stayed on track,” Buckingham said.

Buckingham also attributes the success of the project to working closely with the 88th Security Forces Squadron and Central NICC Joint Venture, LLC, the contractor who performed the work, and meeting regularly with them to stay on schedule.

Effective June 12, Gate 19B returned to normal operations as the 24-hour gate for Area B and Gate 22B (Col. Glenn and I-675) resumed normal hours of 5:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Gate 16B located by Wright Brothers Memorial on Kaufman Avenue, was temporarily opened to alleviate incoming morning traffic during the construction, but has since permanently closed after Gate 19B’s reopening.

“The 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Group and 88th Security Forces Squadron thank Wright-Patterson AFB employees and visitors for their flexibility and patience during the course of the construction project,” said Buckingham.