The Seabee unit attached to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, started a renovation project Tuesday designed to improve base security at the main gate visitors’ center.
The renovation should be complete by Oct. 20, said base officials.
Renovation details were not provided because of their nature as security enhancements, said Cpl. Forrest K. Winter, Iwakuni’s Provost Marshal’s Office traffic accident investigations chief.
The construction means temporary traffic flow changes for drivers entering and exiting the base.
“Commuters should not have to adjust their schedules when coming aboard the air station in the morning,” Winter said. However, he said, daytime outbound vehicles should use the North Gate by Barracks 1395 and the Monzen Gate located in Monzen housing.
“Because the traffic may be more condensed, drivers will have to adjust their schedules accordingly,” he said.
The main gate remains open at all times, but only one lane will be open. Inbound traffic is allowed from 6:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. the next afternoon. Outbound traffic is permitted from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with inbound traffic during that time allowed through the contractors’ gate and Monzen Gate.
At times when the main gate is open for outbound traffic only, drivers should use the contractors’ gate to check in guests who have vehicles, Winter said. Commuters checking in guests without vehicles should continue to use the main gate.
The Monzen Gate will remain open at all times and commuters can drop off a guest’s temporary pass there when exiting, he said.
Construction materials for the main gate renovation cost about $57,000, according to base spokesman Sgt. David Hercher. He said the Seabees’ involvement will save the Marine Corps an estimated $42,000.
Call DSN 253-3516 for more information.
