PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — Effective June 5, 2024, NAS Patuxent River will implement changes to its gate operations to facilitate smoother traffic flow into the base. Gate 2 will open to traffic starting at 5:30 a.m., providing an additional access point for base personnel and visitors.
In addition to the early opening of Gate 2, non-commercial vehicle traffic will be permitted to use the Commercial Vehicle Inspection (CVIS) lane at Gate 1 during peak traffic hours, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. This measure aims to alleviate congestion and expedite entry for non-commercial vehicles during the busiest times of the morning.
“Sentries at the CVIS lane will be responsible for enforcing all appropriate entry control point standards, the same as the other inbound lanes,” stated a base representative. This ensures that security protocols remain stringent, even with the increased use of the CVIS lane by non-commercial traffic.
However, drivers of non-commercial vehicles should be aware that if a commercial vehicle is undergoing inspection in the CVIS lane, they will need to wait until the inspection is complete before proceeding to show their identification. This could lead to delays, but it is a necessary step to maintain thorough security checks.
These adjustments are part of NAS Patuxent River’s ongoing efforts to enhance traffic flow and reduce wait times for those entering the base. By opening Gate 2 earlier and allowing non-commercial vehicles to use the CVIS lane during high-traffic hours, the base aims to minimize bottlenecks and improve overall accessibility.
“NAS Pax River is taking these measures to improve traffic flow into the base as much as possible,” the base representative added. This initiative reflects the base’s commitment to balancing security needs with the convenience of its personnel and visitors.
As the new gate operation schedule comes into effect, NAS Patuxent River encourages all drivers to plan their commutes accordingly and to be patient during the transition period. The base will monitor the effectiveness of these changes and make further adjustments if necessary to ensure optimal traffic management.
