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Base begins work on new bollards at gates

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  Work began Nov. 21 to install sleeker traffic bollards at three Tinker gates. New 6-inch, twist-and-lock removable bollards will replace the bulky 12-inch-wide, spring-balanced, pop-up bollards at Gott, Vance and Eaker gates. Gates will be repaired one at a time. When finished, gate guards or security forces members can alter the arrangements of the bollards to ensure better security for the installation.

"It's all in security and protection of the base," said Mark Nabywaniec, project manager for the 72nd Civil Engineering Group's Tinker Support Services Joint Venture. "This can allow security forces to show a different face at these gates every morning, if they desire. It avoids routine."

Construction starts at Gott Gate -- also known as No. 34 at the south Air Depot Road entrance -- and will likely conclude Dec. 1. From Dec. 5 to 15, Vance Gate -- or gate No. 40 at the Sooner Road entrance -- will endure construction. The project will wrap at Eaker Gate -- or Gate No. 2 at the Industrial Boulevard entrance. There, construction is scheduled for Dec. 19 to 29.The current bollards were first installed approximately six months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But through the years, many were damaged.

Mr. Nabywaniec said of the 64 bollards, nearly 30 are broken. Replacing the bollards will cost $132,000 and Bell Contracting Inc. will perform the physical labor.Mr. Nabywaniec said the new bollards offer many benefits. Among them, they are more flexible.

"The [new] bollards are smaller, with handles, and allows for one person in security forces to remove them or install them," he said. "One person can do it without any trouble."

Plus, the new bollards are designed to last longer. Undamaged, they can be serviceable and useful for up to 20 years, Mr. Nabywaniec said.