Officials request Airmen avoid residential streets when using Gate 1A

  • Published
  • By John Scaggs
  • 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Fairborn officials and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base leadership are asking for help from the installation's work force who use Ohio and Greene Streets as a "cut through" route when entering or exiting Gate 1A.

According to Terry Barlow, Fairborn chief of police, there has been an increase in traffic on Ohio and Greene Streets outside Gate 1A. These streets allow motorists to avoid the traffic lights at the South Central Avenue and West Dayton Drive intersection as well as the traffic lights at the West Dayton Drive and South Broad Street intersection.

Ohio and Greene Streets connect South Broad Street (the location of Gate 1A) to South Central Avenue, also known as part of the reconfigured Route 444 that now goes around the base. South Central Avenue quickly becomes Kauffman Avenue when traveling south/southwest.

The Fairborn city traffic safety committee plans to discuss the issue at its next meeting on April 17. The committee has invited a representative from the 88 Civil Engineer Directorate to attend. Among the options tentatively being considered are creating cul-de-sacs at the ends of Ohio and Greene Streets where they meet South Broad Street; installing "right turn only" signs at the ends of Ohio and Greene Streets where they meet South Broad Street; and installing "no right turn" signs from South Broad Street onto Ohio and Greene Streets.

"It's important for our work force to remember that these are residential streets with 25 miles per hour speed limits," said David Perkins, 88 CE director. "The increase in traffic is disruptive and a potential safety issue."

"It is important for our relationship with the city of Fairborn to honor their request to avoid using Greene and Ohio Streets as a shortcut," added Col. Cassie Barlow, 88 Air Base Wing commander. "This is our public safety issue as we are all members of similar communities.

"It's vitally important that all Airmen at Wright-Patterson AFB maintain our reputation as a good neighbor," the colonel said. "We build public trust and support by showcasing the Air Force as a community partner and a responsible steward of public resources."