Keesler roads get refresh Published Sept. 15, 2014 By Lisa Campbell Base Operations Support contractor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler will undergo a major reconstruction project in which portions of 17 different roadways will be repaved, scheduled to begin September 16. Some areas will also involve storm drainage infrastructure work prior to repaving. This massive project, typically extended over the course of more than nine months, will be condensed into a six-month project in order to minimize the impact on the Keesler community. During this time, Keesler motorists should anticipate road closures, single lane traffic patterns and an increase in heavy equipment moving across the base. Due to these factors, drivers are cautioned to go slow, watch for directional signage or detour information and road construction flaggers. "We're going to try our best to minimize total road closures," said David Horner, Base Operations Support engineering construction manager. "In many cases, we should be able to maintain single lane accessibility at all times to ensure emergency vehicles and regular traffic are able to access the roads, especially main roads like Ploesti Drive." Despite the availability of single lane access, when possible, drivers are encouraged to avoid the construction areas by using alternative routes. For the repaving projects taking place in September, the following detour information can be used: Fifth Street, the street along the east side of Crotwell Track, will be under construction from Fisher Street to Meadows Drive. During this time, use Larcher Boulevard. The ER will remain fully accessible by use of Fisher Street. Please be advised, this is also the road that leads to the Keesler Medical Center's Emergency Room. G Street, which is along the north side of the athletic fields and Exchange Shoppette, will be under construction from Second Street to Fifth Street. During this time, use Meadows Drive. Gaudé Lanes Bowling Center will be accessible via the Shoppette parking lot. X Street, the street along the east side of the Taylor Logistics building, will be under construction from General Chappie James Avenue to Ploesti Drive. During this time, use Z Street. As the repaving team migrates across the base, each impacted area will be well-marked with barriers, signage or construction personnel directing traffic. Though few enjoy the challenges associated with orange barrels or barriers, the benefits of this project far outweigh any temporary inconvenience. "The improved roadways will look better and be longer lasting for the Keesler Community," said Horner. "We've outlived the lifecycle on some areas of our roads, and it's time for a refresh. The new pavement should see a lifespan of anywhere from 10-15 years." The complete construction schedule is listed below, but due to the length of the overall project, dates will be subject to change as rainy weather could cause occasional delays. A detailed map, including highlighted areas and dates, will be regularly updated and posted on the Keesler network where it will be accessible to all personnel with a common access card. The map file location is: \\52mahg-fs-105\81 TRW Official Photos\Keesler Road Project 2014-15. Live updates will also be posted to the Keesler Air Force Base Facebook page. Keesler Road Construction Schedule: Fifth Street - Sept. 16-Oct. 3 G Street - Sept. 23-29 X Street - Sept. 29-Oct. 1 D Street - Oct. 3-8 Z Street - Oct. 13-15 M Street - Oct. 16-22 Ploesti Drive - Oct. 23- Nov. 27 Third Street - Nov. 3- Feb. 12 H Street - Nov. 26- Dec. 2 Meadows Drive - Dec. 2-4 Gen Chappie James Avenue - Dec. 5-9 E Street - Dec. 9-11 J Street - Dec. 12-16 Yorkshire Drive - Feb. 19 Devon Way - Feb. 24-25 St. George Circle - Feb. 26-27 Ben Avon Road - Mar. 2-3 Dates are subject to change, due to weather.