Bodcau Gate to open

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sean Martin
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  After almost 10 months of construction, the Bodcau Gate, located on the East Reservation, will officially open Dec. 2.

Although the gate will be open for limited hours, Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., it will cut down on the overall traffic flow at the other gates, making it easier to commute on and off base.

"The new gate will now save the families on the East Reservation an estimated 15-20 minutes of travel time to and from Bossier City schools, main base and local shopping," said William Grimes, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight deputy chief.

A lot of work went into giving the new gate the same operational features the other gates have.

"We built an entry control facility, barriers, a fence surrounding the gate, paved roadways and set up signs establishing it as a gate," said Grimes.

Active duty personnel, dependents, retirees and Department of Defense civilians have access to the gate. Commercial vehicles or people requiring a base pass must go through the visitor center, located at the main gate, to obtain access.

"By forming partnerships with the local community, state organizations and city offices, we are able to improve the quality of life for our residents on Barksdale," said Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander. "It has taken us a long time to plan and organize this dream to make it a reality. But, anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do it right."