Gate closes to pedestrian, bicycle traffic

Lt. Col. Scot Spann, one of Team Buckley's premier bicyclists, waves to his fans during a mini-triathlon. The Mississippi Gate will be closed to bicyclists and pedestrians for safety reasons until the completion of the construction project in November. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shirley Henderson)

Published July 21, 2010
By Master Sgt. J. LaVoie
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Due to ongoing construction, Buckley Air Force Base leadership has closed the Mississippi Gate to pedestrian and bicycle traffic in an effort to ensure the safety of Team Buckley.

People are encouraged to take East Alameda Parkway to Airport Boulevard to East 6th Avenue, which will take them to the Telluride Street Gate.

This new path is about 3 miles long, and there are sidewalks or a bike path available for the entire distance. Unlike some states, Colorado allows bicycle riders to ride on the sidewalk unless prohibited by local ordinances. According to the Aurora Police Department, Aurora has no such ordinances. However, according to Colorado Statute 42-4-1412, bicyclists are required to give pedestrians the right of way.

The Mississippi Gate is scheduled open to all traffic upon completion of the gate in November.