New inspection station to ease traffic flow

  • Published
  • By Ann Patton
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Drivers entering the Academy should take notice of changes at the North and South Gates beginning June 21.

All heavy vehicle traffic subject to inspection will be restricted to the South Gate only and must pass through a new temporary large vehicle inspection site on Kettle Lake Road near the South Gate entrance. Large vehicle drivers will receive a temporary pass to the base following a successful inspection.

"It's a great move," said 10th Security Forces Commander Maj. Phillip Born. "It reduces our security vulnerability and improves traffic flow at the South Gate."

Previously, large vehicles were searched at both entry gates, exposing the public to hazards. The new force protection will improve overall base security for both assets and those living, working or visiting on the base.

Brad Wilson, 10th SFS plans and programs administrator, said the Academy has coordinated with other area military installations with similar operations. In 2013, a permanent facility is scheduled to be in operation and, after inspection, provide large vehicle drivers entry to the Academy directly without passing through the South Gate.

"It's a long time coming," he said but pointed out once approval was met for the temporary facility it was put in place within five months.

The large vehicle inspection station will be open weekdays, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. When it is closed, drivers must use the farthest right line at the South Gate only.

Large commercial delivery vehicles are those vehicles with three or more axles or have four rear tires on the rear axle (dually). If a commercial vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will also be considered a large vehicle. The three-axle rule does not apply to United Parcel Service, Federal Express or DHL vehicles, which will be inspected in the same manner as large commercial delivery vehicles and must be inspected and checked for  explosives.

U.S. Post Office vehicles are exempt from inspections and explosive checks, as are government and GSA vehicles during certain force protection conditions. Department of Defense ID holders driving large utility and recreational vehicles for personal use, including moving vans, trucks and trailers, are also exempt from inspections.

Academy personnel who purchase goods or products from off-base should inform vendors of the procedures to use the large vehicle inspection station to prevent delays resulting from uninformed drivers being turned away at installation entry points.