TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
A date has been set for the reopening of the Lancer Gate at Tinker Air Force Base.
The 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate announced the Lancer Gate, located on S Douglas Boulevard in Midwest City near the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, will reopen for drivers November 18 at 5 a.m.
Vehicles last entered Tinker via the Lancer Gate over a year ago in August 2023.
The long-awaited reopening marks the completion of a series of upgrades enhancing security, accessibility and overall efficiency. Upgrades to the Lancer Gate include changes to the approach zone where new pavement has been installed, along with the addition of new lighting.
“We replaced the guard house in its entirety, and we repaired the canopy because it was degrading,” said Kurt Aktansel, a civil engineer with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate. “We also added a vehicle inspection areas, pedestrian shelters, and an inground storm shelter for 72nd Air Base Wing Security Forces defenders.”
The guard house has been upgraded with a new air conditioning system and restrooms for base defenders.
“Who doesn’t want to have a nicer environment to work in?” said Aktansel. “You want to come to work and be happy that you are in a nice place and not dreading that you are coming to work in some dark, cold or hot place without proper restrooms.”
The Lancer Gate construction project wrapped up in June, however a major setback occurred one week after construction completed when the final denial barrier control panel experienced a catastrophic failure. Engineers believe a nearby lightning strike was to blame.
Base engineers, like Aktansel, are excited to see the Lancer Gate construction project complete.
“I always like seeing projects be completed,” said Aktansel. “Some projects are so minimal, but this is a project that people are going to use. We are going to see an immediate benefit from it.”
Operating hours for the Lancer Gate will be 5 a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Tinker, Hruskocy and Gott Gates will remain open 24 hours a day.
The remaining gate operating hours are as follows:
PIAZZA GATE: 5 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon-Fri
VANCE GATE: 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon-Fri
EAKER GATE: 5:30 a.m.-8 a.m., Mon-Fri
HOPE GATE: 5 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mon-Fri
LIBERATOR GATE: 2 -4 p.m., Mon-Fri
LOGISTICS ACCESS POINT: 2 -4 p.m., Mon-Fri (outbound only) (former Marauder Gate)
TRUCK GATE: 6 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri (commercial vehicles inbound only)
PATRIOT GATE: 8:25 a.m.-9:15 a.m. / 2:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m., Mon-Fri (pedestrian only)