CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The Dorchester Gate outbound lanes were changed April 19 to make both lanes able to turn right.
Since the change, base leadership have noticed numerous situations where people turning right were cutting off others as they turned into the left lane on Dorchester Road instead of their respective lane on the right side.
"Everyone needs to exercise caution and courtesy when leaving the base because this is a new traffic pattern," said Joe Rackley, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron construction project manager.
Before the construction, Dorchester Gate only had two options for outbound lanes -- one lane that goes left and one that goes right. Now, those in the left lane are able to turn right, left or go straight.
"There are signs and paintings on the road to help make people aware of the change so they can exit with diligence," said Mr. Rackley.
Changes that were made include painting directional arrows in the lanes before and by the exit and also a solid 4-inch white line that extends 80 feet before and up to the exit.
The goal of these changes were to improve the traffic flow going off base through the Dorchester Gate during the peak traffic hours. It has allowed more cars to make a right turn onto Dorchester Road when the traffic light turns green. In addition, it has also allowed people wanting to turn onto N. O'Neal Avenue toward the commissary sooner because of less traffic back-up from people waiting to leave the base.
"The problem of traffic leaving the base during the peak hours of 3 to 6 p.m. was identified by the base leadership," said Mr. Rackley. "We heard of how frustrating it could be for people leaving the base who were making a right onto Dorchester Road. This change has reduced the time of commuting in that direction. Less time spent in the car means more time spent with the family."
When the traffic problem was initially brought to the attention of the 437 CES, they commissioned a traffic study that was conducted by an off-base engineering firm. The results of this study were submitted Aug. 17, 2007, and made recommendations for improvements to ease the traffic congestion at the Dorchester Gate.
Improvements will also be made to the inbound lanes during this month and continuing into June. This construction will involve shifting concrete curbing and adding pavement to improve the flow of traffic as it approaches and exits the entry control point. Though this is more of a major project compared to the one for the outbound lanes, it will not require closures. Traffic control devices, flagmen and lane shifts will be applied at various times during the course of construction in order to safely complete the work.
"Although these are minor changes, everyone is urged to be careful and courteous as commuters continue to adjust to the new condition," said Mr. Rackley.