Motorists using Wardleigh Road on the northwest side of Hill Air Force Base will experience a temporary detour beginning in mid-August. The detour is necessary to accommodate construction for the new 1800 N. Gate and its connecting roundabout.
Base officials stated that the existing North Gate will remain fully open during this period. The 1800 N. Gate is intended as a separate, future access point to help reduce traffic congestion.
To facilitate the connection between the new gate and the existing road network, a temporary disruption to the Wardleigh corridor is required. Brett Christensen, 75th Air Base Wing Enhanced Use Lease chief, said the project is entering a highly visible phase and recommended that drivers consider adjusting commute times to ensure traffic moves safely.
Contractors will begin building a temporary bypass roadway this month. During the detour, southbound Wardleigh traffic will divert east onto Browning Street, then south onto Hickory Avenue, before using the temporary bypass road near Maine Street to reconnect with Wardleigh. Northbound traffic will follow the reverse route.
Drivers should also expect modified right-of-way rules at the intersection of Hickory and Browning, including new stop or yield signs and reduced speed limits through the detour zone.
Because this corridor serves as a primary artery for several base offices, units, and facilities, motorists traveling across the northwest side of the base should plan for longer transit times.
While construction on the gate complex is in its early stages, crews expect the Wardleigh Road realignment to be completed by the end of the year. The full 1800 N. Gate project is scheduled to officially open in late 2027.
