Summer construction has begun and Eielson residents can look forward to a plethora of upgrades and improvements to base roadways and buildings as well as groundbreaking of new quality of life projects.
One significant change that will affect base drivers immediately is a temporary reduction in speed from 35 mph to 25 mph along Flightline Avenue from Amber Hall (Broadway Avenue) to North Street. The change takes effect June 1 and will last through the Red Flag exercise. This reduction will also occur during future Red Flag exercises.
"The speed reduction was implemented to ensure the safety of our visiting Red Flag-Alaska guests," said Lt. Col. Gary Schneider, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.
Working off feedback from base residents, The 354th CES will also be widening some driveways in the Moose and French Creek developments. The project's estimated duration is mid-June through September but should not result in road closures. Lake
Approximately 150 units will be affected in the developments, and residents are asked not to plant flowers along driveway edges, as they will be removed when construction begins.
"The number one concern voiced by the residents in the Moose and French Creek developments is limited parking," said Umit Spencer, 354th CES housing flight quality assurance lead. "The project will help alleviate the parking shortage and street congestion, as this area can become extremely congested during the summer months with the increased usage of recreational vehicles." Lake
Base residents are reminded that RVs and trailers can be parked in Military Family Housing areas for 48 hours prior to usage for loading, and 24 hours after usage for unloading.
Base civil engineers are also working to install a new utilidor (short for utility corridor) system in the Moose area to ensure utility lines are protected from the harsh arctic climate. The project is underway and has an estimated completion date in mid-October. Lake
"This project will install approximately 2,250 feet of utilidor between the intersection of Polaris Street and French Creek Drive and the Moose Lake Neighborhood," Colonel Schneider said. "The majority of the work will be along the northeast side of Moose Lake Drive. Traffic revisions, road closures and backyard fence removals will be advertised and coordinated by the contractor."