Base makes traffic changes as workers return

After a spate of recent executive orders from President Trump, Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs employees living within 50 miles of agency worksites must report to offices by today. There have been exceptions to the order.

Gate 1B — which leads to a number of Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center offices and labs on Wright-Patterson’s Area B — will have expanded hours starting Monday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for incoming and exiting traffic, Monday through Friday, the base said on Facebook this week.

Concerning gate 22B, the base said it has seen vehicles “crossing multiple lanes from the Col Glenn exit at gate 22-B (I-675) during morning hours, resulting in reduced processing times and interruptions to traffic flow.”

The base promised measures to prevent vehicles from crossing lanes.

“This change is intended to increase the efficiency of traffic flow and reduce congestion at the gate. Please note that this change will only be in effect during morning traffic hours (6-9 a.m.),” the base said.

A banner message at the top of the base web site in recent weeks has also asked for patience.

“As Team Wright-Patt transitions back to in-person work, employees are encouraged to allow extra time for their daily commute and exercise patience and courtesy toward our defenders at the gates. Increased traffic and longer wait times are expected, and your cooperation will help ensure a smooth and safe transition for everyone,” the site says.

Asked about any change in traffic patterns in recent days, a spokesman for the 88th Air Base Wing has asked for time to gather further information.

“It is still too early to have meaningful data,” base spokesman Christopher Warner said in a Jan. 29 email. “Once we have gathered a few weeks of traffic patterns, we will be in a better position to assess the situation.”

NPR, citing data from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, has reported that as of last May, 54% of 2.3 million civilians employed by the federal government work entirely in-person. About 10%, or 228,000 employees, work entirely remotely, NPR said.

Wright-Patterson’s working population has doubled in the past 20 years, making the base the biggest concentration of employment in one location within the state of Ohio.