Dover base gates receive security upgrade
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Dover AFB’s three gates underwent a $3.2 million security barricade upgrade that was completed June 30, 2017.
The project replaced older pop-up style barriers with new grab-style barriers, called Ground Retractable Automobile Barrier, or GRAB-300. These barriers are security tools used to stop unwanted vehicles from entering the base.
“The old barriers were a pop-barrier,” said Earl Waller, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron base traffic engineer. “They were hydraulically actuated and required a lot of maintenance. The new barriers are all electric and are a lot more maintenance friendly.”
According to Master Sgt. Derek Finney, 436th Security Forces Squadron plans and programs chief, the old pop-barriers were state-of-the-art at the time of their installation in 2004. He echoed Waller in saying that maintenance burdens with them instigated their replacement.
“The Delta Scientific Wedge Barriers (the old barriers) were considered lethal force [when deployed],” said Finney. The GRAB-300 is considered a less than lethal force alternative providing security forces the same stopping power as the DSWBs.”
The upgrades began in April with the construction project starting at the base’s commercial (South) Gate. After a few weeks of work, this gate was complete and the project moved to the North Gate. Finally after this, work started at the base’s Main Gate. Each gate was closed during its respective work, which diverted traffic flow to the other two gates.
“We feel that the project has gone very well,” said Waller. “The contractor has been able to perform per the schedule and has been able to meet their timelines.”
Waller also wanted to relay his gratitude to the Delaware Department of Transportation for their assistance in this project.
“Thank you to DelDOT for helping,” said Waller. “They provided us with messaging boards along the highway to direct traffic. They were extremely professional and they really helped make sure that the project went well.”