State Route 444 reroute project in full swing Published Oct. 11, 2012 By Amy Rollins Skywrighter Staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- The traffic pattern for Area A at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is undergoing a dramatic change with the Oct. 9 closure of a portion of State Route 444, consolidating several gates and affecting access to Kittyhawk Center. Concrete barriers have been put in place at the north and south ends of the 1.5-mile of State Route 444 that runs on federal land through the base, and perimeter fencing has been extended across the road to permanently close the roadway to non-base personnel. During the construction period, base traffic will be restricted from using the closed portion of State Route 444. Access to the Kittyhawk Center will be maintained through gates 8A and 38A. The existing Gate 1A will be open 24 hours during this transition time. In mid November, construction will be complete. The new Gate 1A and the former State Route 444 will open for use by base personnel. At that time, the existing Gate 1A (near the cemetery) will close. Gates 9A, 8A and 38A are open and usable with no guards present. As part of the project, Spruce Way will be extended east near the Temporary Lodging Facilities after fencing is removed and pavement constructed to connect it with the project portion of State Route 444. The new roadway will be named Spruce Way. A new Gate 1A with a guardhouse and a canopy to provide the guards with some protection from the elements will be constructed on State Route 444 behind the Commissary by mid-November. During this transition period, Civil Engineering and Security Forces will be monitoring how traffic flows, so there may be further changes. If adjustments are required, base personnel are ready to respond.