HUNTSVILLE — Redstone Arsenal is making changes to help with traffic congestion for commuters.
The sprawling post announced this week that, starting Monday, Gate 10 on Patton Road will be open Monday-Friday from 5:30 to 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, Gate 8, at the intersection of Drake Avenue and Patton Road, will open at 10 a.m., after Gate 10 closes, and remain open through 9:30 p.m. daily.
Garrison Commander Col. Brian Cozine said the post is experiencing staffing shortages and can’t handle the gates being open the same time.
Also, daily gate traffic has increased from around 35,000 to about 41,000 vehicles and may reach 43,000 this month as more contractors and civil servants return to their offices from working at home.
“We recognize the change may inconvenience housing residents and school traffic,” Cozine told the Redstone Rocket. “Our traffic is back to pre-COVID conditions. It’s our new normal.”
In the meantime, Corzine gave a tip that will help the traffic flow because “seconds add up to minutes.”
“When you come into the gate, just remember to have all your credentials available for us,” said Cozine. “So that way, we can help expedite traffic, go into the installation, and if you do find a lane that is open, please use that lane as well.
“Also, on days of heavy traffic, we recommend not asking the guards what is happening and certainly don’t complain to the gate guards.”
