Gate improvements benefit guards, ease traffic Published July 20, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Construction is underway on the Missile Road Gate entrance to build a shelter over the guard shacks. The project is projected to last until August 13 during which time the gate will remain open only to outbound traffic. The shelter is being built to provide the public an aesthetic and easily identifiable visitor's entrance as well as provide protection from the extreme and highly unpredictable North Texas weather for the gate guards. "A guard protected from the elements is a more vigilant guard," said Master Sgt. Roy Davis, 82nd Security Forces Squadron. Security Forces personnel, specifically those who work at the gates, are thankful for the construction of the shelter. "We are grateful they thought about us, every little bit helps in this heat," said Airman 1st Class Nicholas Carman, 82nd SFS. Once the project is done there will also be an additional lane at the Missile Road Gate for inbound traffic. This project is in support of a military construction project awaiting congressional funding approval. If approved the project will add a similar shelter to the main gate as well as additional lanes and extra security measures in support of Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection, said Mark McBurnett, deputy of civil engineering. The project provides for eight inbound lanes to the base and shelters and both the Missile Road and Sheppard Access gates. The Hospital gate will then close and be open only for special events. B.W. Strayhorn is responsible for the construction of the shelter which is being paid for with Sustainment Restoration and Modernization Dollars.