Two gates to undergo major construction Published April 2, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Two Tinker gates are set to close for long durations for construction projects. Tinker Gate, at North Air Depot Boulevard and Interstate 40, is scheduled to close during the week of April 19. Midwest Boulevard Gate, on South Midwest Boulevard and north of Southeast 74th Street, is scheduled to close the week of April 5. Tinker Gate is the latest focus of a five-gate safety military construction project. During the 240 days it's closed, contractors will install the "final-denial barrier system" to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the installation. Additionally, Tinker Gate will be converted into a 24-hour entrance, complete with visitors' center. During the 120-day Midwest Boulevard Gate construction project, contractors will enhance the safety and appearance of the approach. As of now, the "gate" is a fence guarded by 72nd Security Forces Squadron members. "We want readers to be informed of what we're doing ahead of time so they can plan for it," said Randon Rieger, Tinker Support Services Joint Venture engineering team lead with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate. "Our goal is to improve traffic flow and security on the base. These projects contribute to these goals." The "final-denial barrier system," which uses arresting cables, similar to those used on runways, has been or will be installed at four other gates. They include Vance (No. 40), Liberator (No. 21), Lancer (No. 20) and Hope (No. 30). Installing the system costs a total of $6.5 million and Alaska's Tatitlek Corporation performed the work on all five gates. Because Tinker Gate will also gain a visitors' center, the project will cost an additional $4.4 million. The Ross Group of Oklahoma City will build the visitors' center. It is being paid for by congressionally-approved military construction funding. Vance Gate will reopen before Tinker Gate closes, which will help ease the traffic flow. When construction at Tinker Gate is finished, the refurbished entrance will house a new canopy that compliments the Base Exchange, and a 3,700 square-foot visitors and registration center, to replace the 72nd SFS Pass and Registration Office outside of Eaker Gate. The improved gate will also have a search area, giving security officers the ability to check vehicles before they enter the installation. "It'll be worth the wait," said Katie Bradshaw, 72nd CE project manager for TSS/JV Military Construction projects. "When all is said and done, especially for the Tinker Gate, base drivers are going to be pleased with not only the look but the ease of getting in and out." Tinker leadership and local governments discussed the Midwest Boulevard Gate project. The City of Oklahoma City spearheaded the contract and hired Rudy Construction Co. of Oklahoma City to install a curve-weave pattern entrance, ID-check islands and guard shack with utility connections. The projected is estimated to cost $350,000 and is funded by the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute. Mark Nabywaniec, 72nd CE project manager for Civil Design and Construction, said when finished, Midwest Boulevard Gate will adhere to necessary anti-terrorism and force-protection requirements. But the "final-denial barrier system" will not be installed; that will be added at a later date. To ease traffic during the construction, a temporary gate will be opened to the west of the Midwest Boulevard Gate, just south of Bldg. 9001.