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NEWS | July 16, 2013

LaSalle Gate to reopen July 19

By Staff Sgt. Katie Gar Ward 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The LaSalle Avenue Gate at Langley Air Force Base, Va., is scheduled to reopen at 11 a.m. July 19, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

The gate closed in August 2012 to facilitate the construction of a new visitor control center, expanded guardhouse and new pass and identification office. The $8.6 million construction project was a two-part plan, including the new West Gate vehicle inspection station.

"The project provides a much larger and aesthetically appealing visitor center, complete with additional parking far exceeding what we had at the previous site of the gate," said Jim Wampler, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron Engineering flight chief. "The new Visitor Center will also house the pass and identification section, allowing easier access for the Langley community."

While construction on the gate was originally scheduled to be completed earlier this year, unforeseen unsuitable soil conditions in the area originally designated for outbound lanes of the gatehouse required a significant design change. Also, an above average rainfall throughout much of the construction period significantly impacted the completion date, said Wampler.

Through close coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, project contractors, the City of Hampton and the 633rd Security Forces Squadron, Wampler said the project has met overall quality expectations while providing necessary security for an entry control point.

"Langley now has a brand-new entrance gate that meets the same anti-terrorism and force protection requirements that our West and King Street Gates meet," he said. "With the new visitor center architecture and expanded parking lot, we now have a much more appealing primary entrance for the thousands of Service members, families and distinguished guests who visit our installation each year, and can provide better services and for their base-access needs."

The temporary VCC currently located at the West Gate will remain open through the duty day July 19. The new VCC located at the LaSalle Avenue Gate will be fully operational July 22.