MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Beginning Sunday, April 10, construction workers on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will begin working on the main gate, giving it a complete makeover.
From 6 to 7 a.m., construction workers will close about half a mile of Holcomb Boulevard, both outgoing and incoming, between the front gate and Brewster Boulevard. “Cutover” lanes will be created, so the construction workers can begin building the new front gate further into base, which is slated to be completed by August 10.
While shifting traffic, all outbound traffic will be temporarily limited to one lane from 6 to 6:30 a.m., and all inbound traffic will be temporarily limited to one lane from 6:30 to 7 a.m. The times were chosen to minimize the impact that will occur to traffic coming onto and off the base during that time.
After the first day, service members and civilians will be provided with three temporary inbound and outbound lanes.
For safety concerns, speed limits will decrease to 15 mph, and the pedestrian and bike paths will remain closed. The main gate will still be used to monitor traffic and ensure only authorized personnel enter the base until the new main gate is finished.
After the scheduled four months, expect to see a new gate canopy, guard house and visitor center. The new gate canopy will cover both outgoing and incoming traffic.
Navy Capt. Craig Fulton, director of the Installation and Environment Department, MCB Camp Lejeune, said the changes serves a variety of reasons, but mainly for the security of the base.
“The overall intent for this new entry guard post is to improve force protection,” said Navy Capt. Craig Fulton, director of Installation and Environment Department, MCB Camp Lejeune. “Having a gate farther inside the base will help bring traffic off of the highway as well as make it easier for visitors and vehicles needing passes to get back into the main road lanes.”
Commercial trucks, however, will have to use the Piney Green gate until construction is complete.
Fulton added that throughout construction time, it is vital that drivers do their part and drive safely and maintain vigilance for construction workers in the area.