By Shawn Graham, NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs
Expanded hours for Gate 3 commence April 20; New hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Travelers without approved credentials are required to obtain one from Gate 2 Pass & ID at Building 2189
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 16, 2015)—Commuters who regularly get stuck in traffic during rush hour at NAS Patuxent River will soon have a reason to rejoice.
After two years of limited service, Gate 3 is finally scheduled to expand its hours of operations beginning April 20 to Pax personnel. The gate is situated at the intersection of Hermanville Road and Route 235, approximately two miles south of Gate 2.
Those traveling into the base on weekdays may use the inbound and outbound entrances from 5:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Gate 3 will be closed on weekends and holidays.
“I want to assure you that any decision about the use and manning of the NAS Pax River gates is made with consideration of many factors, including the morale of the workforce and the possible impact to the local community,” said NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. Heidi Fleming. “We appreciate the support from our partners in the Pax River community.
“I understand the concerns our local community leaders have had on the traffic impact gate changes can have on St. Mary’s County, and I appreciate their continued support,” she said. “I believe this change to Gate 3 operating hours will improve the traffic backups we’ve seen during lunch hours as well as will allow our workforce more lunch options with easier access to establishments south of the base.”
Fleming also praised NAS Patuxent River’s security department for their efforts in keeping Gate 3 open.
“I want you to know that our civilian and military police officers are working hard to provide the most service they can,” Fleming said. “They vigilantly stand their duties at the gates in rain, sleet, and most recently snow.”
NAS Patuxent River Chief of Police John Romer, said Gate 3’s new hours would also alleviate traffic congestion on Gates 1 and 2 during peak traffic hours.
“There is heavy traffic on Three Notch Road, especially early in the morning and during lunch,” Romer explained. “This change will benefit our base personnel and our community partners who travel near the base. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
Travelers without appropriate access credentials will still be required to obtain approved clearance from the Gate 2 Pass and ID office in Building 2189. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.