Commander encourages alternate gate usage, caution at Mississippi Gate Published Nov. 9, 2012 By Col. Daniel Dant 460th Space Wing Commander BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- We are well aware of the dangerous traffic issues caused by increased construction and large equipment vehicle usage at the Mississippi Gate. In short, the vehicles awaiting inspection and entry onto Buckley are causing gridlock. As a result, dangerous driving practices by some individuals are creating near-miss accidents at the Tower Road-Alameda Avenue and Mississippi Avenue intersection, and at the Mississippi Avenue and Aspen Street intersection. If this behavior continues, it is not a matter of if, but frankly when, we will have a catastrophic accident in this area. I can assure you 460th Space Wing people are diligently working toward a safe solution to these issues, but the situation is of immediate concern. In fact, given the base construction project schedule, we expect a significant increase in traffic during the next few months. To help mitigate the current traffic and safety concerns surrounding the Mississippi Gate, there are several ways Team Buckley people can directly contribute toward a solution. First and foremost, especially during the peak morning traffic hours between 6 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., we suggest people use either of the two north entry points, 6th Avenue and Telluride gates for entry into the installation. We realize for some this will add several minutes to your commute, and it will also increase automobile traffic at those gates. But as long as we are all patient and plan accordingly, this is the most effective, near-term solution to the problem. Second, I encourage the use of carpools. We have reached out to the construction contractors and project managers to promote the same. Finally, I ask leaders to consider flex scheduling, allowing individuals to come in earlier in the duty day, before the traffic issues evolve or later after they've subsided. Again, we are considering several strategies to this issue, but we need your help! In the meantime, we ask for everyone's patience. YOU are a valuable member of Team Buckley. Build extra time in your commute to offset the pending traffic congestion, slow down, and please obey all traffic rules.