New gate barrier system helps protect Westover

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andrew Biscoe
  • 439th Airlift Wing
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  The earthmovers and gate closures are in the past as the focal points of the base have a new look. 

A new entry control complex on Westover Road and pop-up barrier systems at both gates help ensure that the nation’s largest Air Force Reserve base complies with the latest anti-terrorism and force protection standards for years to come. 

The new Westover Road complex includes a vehicle inspection facility, a pass and registration office and gate shack. They are scheduled to be completed by late December. 

The addition of a visitor’s center will mean that pre-announced visitors will be able to pick up a pass and enter the base without an escort as they are now. 

“Visitors will find a much more efficient process as they enter Westover,” said Scott C. Daigneault, 439th Airlift Wing anti-terrorism officer. “This will save a lot of time for the visitors and for our security forces. The new entry control facility provides a far more professional and military appearance for the base.” 

Motorists entering the Westover Road gate will find the curves a little slower.
“Although some may views this as an unnecessary inconvenience to their daily entries and exits, these requirements are mandated by the Department of Defense anti-terrorism and force protection guidance on entry control facilities to reduce the threat of a high speed gate penetration,” said Rick Colburn, civil design engineer. 

Westover Road is the primary gate through which most of the traffic flows onto and off the base. 

In addition to the new entry control facility, huge popup hydraulic barriers are installed in the roadways at both gates. Mr. Daigneault said these barriers will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 55 mph. The new barrier system will allow security forces to quickly react to a Vehicle Borne Improvised Device (VBIED) threat and neutralize it before it can threaten Westover’s people or resources, he said. The security improvements totaled more than $3 million. 

Mr. Daigneault is watching a project come to fruition after more than three years of coordination with command level security and civil engineering officials. He is also a master sergeant with the 439th Security Forces Squadron and has been at Westover since 1993. 

“It’s exciting and satisfying to see all of the gate construction finally come together for the benefit of this base and its people,” he said. Col. Wade Farris, 439th AW commander, agreed. 

“Scott put in a lot of long hours working this huge project with officials at many levels at headquarters,” Colonel Farris said. “I appreciate seeing this happening for the security and safety of our people. I’m sure the base as a community will appreciate it too.”