Gate tweaks affect traffic, access at Walter Reed and Navy facilities
Increased security will mean increased traffic at gates of local military installations, including Naval Support Activity Bethesda.
Ramped-up security at United States military installations, due to ongoing tension in the Middle East, will affect employees and patients at Walter Reed Military Medical Center and Naval Support Activity Bethesda in Maryland.
Seated on the east side of Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue), across from the National Institutes of Health, NSA Bethesda is restricting the number of gates open during the week and weekend.
“The Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, and their subordinate commands, including NSA Bethesda, are constantly evaluating security requirements across the world,” according to a news release from NSAB, which “implemented operational changes based on current security requirements.”
With the changes, two of the installation’s gates will be closed, while three will be open, with some changes.
“Traffic in the area surrounding the installation will be significantly impacted during weekday commuting hours,” according to the release.
The hospital put out an automated phone message to patients with scheduled appointments, saying delays will affect patients and providers.
Until further notice, the changes include:
Gate 1 (Visitor Center/North Gate) — Open 24/7
Gate 2 (South Gate, across from Metro):
- Open to inbound and outbound traffic from 5 to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday
- Closed to vehicle traffic, 8:31 a.m. to 2:59 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Automated pedestrian turnstiles access remains available 24/7
- ADA swing gates will remain open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Open to outbound traffic only, from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Closed on weekends
Gate 3 (NEX Gate) — Closed to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice
Gate 4 (Navy Lodge) — Closed to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice
Gate 5 (USU Gate) — Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Employees and visitors at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling and Marine Corps Base Quantico are also experiencing additional security.
Military installations across the U.S. are seeing advanced security.
“While we will not discuss specifics, U.S. Northern Command is implementing additional force protection condition measures to increase security and awareness for all installations in the U.S. NORTHCOM area of responsibility,” Lt. Cmdr. Michael Hatfield said in a statement.
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