Richmond, Va. –
In an effort to comply with current anti-terrorism standards, Defense Logistics Agency Installation Operations Richmond is embarking on a $6 million project to replace the East Gate. The new gate will be located near the former housing area adjacent to Jefferson Davis Highway on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. The work began this month and is expected to be completed by August 2019.
Alexander Vasquez, general engineer, Installation Management Division, DLA Installation Operations Richmond, said the existing gate will remain “for historical reasons,” and may be used in emergencies or at the discretion of base management. “However, the norm will be that the new East Gate will be used on a daily basis once completed,” said Vasquez.
New gate construction will affect nearby parking, he noted. “Parking is being impacted to the extent that the old family housing area and portions of Parking Lot 2 have been closed because they are in the footprint of the construction project. Nevertheless, we have mitigated this situation by closely analyzing and planning where, and how, parking will be available to the center workforce.”
Vasquez said some parking will be available in a portion of Lot 2 that is not taken up by construction, as well as along H Road and in the gravel lot next to Building 31. For additional parking options, installation employees should contact Penny Holcomb, supervisor program analyst, Installation Management Division, DLA Installation Operations at Richmond, at 804-279-2695.
At present, nearby utilities are being marked on the project site, and installation of a temporary fence around the project site is expected to begin soon, followed by gate construction. Vasquez said the total cost of construction is $6,253,160, and funded by the Military Construction program. Once complete, the gate can be accessed by all employees and visitors who possess valid Department of Defense identification cards. Visitors will still be required to enter the installation through the North Gate.
“The construction of the East Access Control Point [new East Gate] will provide for more secure base access and for smoother flow of traffic to and from the East Gate area of the base.” Vasquez said.