YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea — A $2.5 million project to upgrade base access gates in Area II begins this week, according to military officials.

The force-protection project begins Friday and will last through December, according to an Area II news release.

In-ground pop-up barriers will be installed at 10 gates on Yongsan and at Hannam Village and some gates will see new guard booths and traffic arms.

“This is part of an on-going Korea-wide force protection project,” Area II Support Activity force protection specialist Mike Clement stated in the release. “Additional barriers and enhancements have already been installed at Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base.”

Officials say the work will require some gate closures and traffic will be rerouted.

“Changes to traffic patterns will require that people be alert,” said Lt. Col. Paul Legere, who heads the Area II Support Activity Directorate of Public Works. “By working together, we will all get through this important project.”

Citing force protection concerns, Area II officials would not provide details on gate closures. Signs will be posted at affected gates about one week in advance of the construction and officials will use other internal methods — such as e-mail to commanders — to alert the base community.

“Some gates will be closed to normal traffic, but open to military police or emergency vehicles. Some will be temporarily closed to all traffic,” Legere stated in the release. “Other gates will allow inbound or outbound traffic only at designated times.”

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