LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.-- –
Construction of new vehicle barriers near the West Gate at Langley Air Force Base is set to begin Feb. 14.
The project, aimed to create proper standoff distance between the West Gate and the vehicle barrier, includes widening Sweeney Boulevard, extending of Lee Road and installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Lee Road and Sweeney Boulevard.
"The addition of a traffic signal at the new intersection will alleviate congestion on Lee Road from motorists heading east on Sweeney Boulevard during rush traffic," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jasmine Pettie, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron engineering flight deputy commander.
From Feb. 14 to April 16, Sweeney Boulevard will be tapered down to one lane of traffic in each direction to facilitate the setup of new vehicle barriers. Installation of the two outbound lanes and moving to the three inbound lanes will immediately follow.
Additionally, the left-hand turning traffic from Elm Street onto Sweeney Boulevard will be reduced to one lane. There will be no left turns onto Lee Drive for vehicles traveling east on Sweeney Boulevard from the West Gate.
Following the return of normal traffic flow on Sweeny Boulevard, Lee Road will be closed from April 14 to May 5 for road tie-in construction and guardrail installation. The jogging path that runs parallel to Lee Drive will be closed two weeks before construction begins for approximately five weeks total.
"There will be multiple construction activities in this area," said Pettie. "The running trail will be closed temporarily for safety and to minimize traffic through the construction zone. However, a marked path will be available to Team Langley personnel who exit West Gate via the pedestrian [walkway]."
Demolition of the existing barriers will occur for one to two days between April 16 and May 5 and will require the West Gate to be closed.
Pettie said the 633rd CES is focused on working with contractors to ensure this occurs during the weekend to be of better convenience to Langley personnel.
For updates, visit www.jble.af.mil.