YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — The Supply Gate’s outbound lane will remain shut down until Sunday as workers finish reinforcing the tire shredder’s cover plate to better handle heavy traffic flow. Motorists may still enter the base there.

After completing the same upgrades at the South, Fussa, West and Terminal gates earlier this spring, officials will turn their attention next to the East entrance. It’s last on the list but will stay open during the project — set for June 6-19 — with drivers using the inbound side for both entrance and exit.

“The cover plate from the manufacturer does not handle our traffic capacity and heavier vehicle loads,” said Steve Ozoa, traffic engineer for the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron. “This current fix is only for the cover plate.”

Since September 2003, major renovations aimed at upgrading security, streamlining traffic flow and improving overall appearance have been made at each of Yokota’s gates. Last year, officials spent $1.8 million overhauling Fussa Gate, the base’s main access point.

Normally, the Supply Gate is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The South Gate remains a weekday option from 7-8 a.m. for inbound motorists and 4-6 p.m. for those leaving the base.