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Only DoD ID Card Holders Will Be Allowed Through Gate 1 During Peak Times Starting 2024

Author Darasha

Some more changes are coming to Fort Eisenhower in efforts to reduce traffic. Earlier this week they announced via social media that they will be adjusting the access to McKenna Gate, more commonly known as Gate 1.

Beginning February 5, 2024, only DoD cardholders will be allowed through Gate 1 between the times of 5 am to 9 am Monday through Friday.

This change is to reduce traffic congestion at Gate 1 during peak travel times during the week. They have found that over 5000 vehicles travel into Gate 1 for entry each week. With that many cars, it then cause traffic build-up right at the Gordon Highway intersection. The heavy traffic causes more turnarounds, accidents, and emergency incidents.

Out of the 5000 cars that enter the gate through those peak times, it has been assessed that 3500 of those are DoD ID card holders with no Trusted Travelers, 1000 of them are DoD ID holders with Trusted Travelers, and then over 500 of those that enter that gate have temporary passes or Automated Installation Entry cards.

So beginning February 5, those without a DoD ID will be asked to turn around and use Gate 6 or Gate 5 on Tobacco Road.

VA cardholders are also being asked to use the alternate gates during those peak hours. Along with those that are Trusted Travelers and those with a pass, will be sent to Gate 5 or Gate 6 to enter the base.

Last month they announced road work would also going on at Gate 1 through December 22. This is due to another change they are making is to minimize the impact on inbound and outbound traffic during those peak times. The construction may cause single-lane closures starting at 9 am.

Outbound lanes: 9 am – 3:30 pm
Inbound lanes: 9 am – 5 pm

The base previously known as Fort Gordon officially became Fort Eisenhower on October 27. Fort Gordon was the last of the 9 Army installations slated to be renamed. The name honors former President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Georgia Is The Second Best State To Drive In

Traffic can be incredibly frustrating.  It can make you late.  And it can also spark road rage too. But apparently, according to WalletHub, it can also be hard on the wallet too.  Congestion in 2022 cost the average U.S. driver about $869 in wasted time.  That’s with an average of about 51 hours spent sitting in traffic! And if you’ve ever been on the roads, you know traffic is an issue in many cities!  In fact, the U.S. has 8 out of the world’s 25 worst cities for traffic, and 19 of the worst in North America! And when it comes to us, Georgia is the second best state to drive in!

Of course, traffic isn’t the only issue when it comes to driving. There are other drivers, potholes, animals, debris on the roadway, and more. Anytime you’re on the roads, it can be dangerous.  That’s why it’s really important to pay attention to the road and the other drivers around you.  And of course, no texting and driving!  Even though it’s against the law in Georgia to hold your phone while driving, chances are you have done it more than once.  And you’ve probably seen other people doing it too.

WalletHub decided to take a look at the best and worst states to drive in. They based their findings on a few key factors:

  • Cost of ownership and maintenance
  • Traffic and infrastructure
  • Safety
  • Access to vehicles and maintenance

These factors also looked at prices of gas, insurance, and cost of auto maintenance.  They also looked at rush-hour traffic congestion, days with precipitation and icy days, along with other weather-related factors. Additionally, they looked at traffic fatality rates, car thefts, and driving rules and enforcement.

Surprisingly, Georgia is the second best state to drive in. For the Peach State, they ranked at 2 when it came to cost of ownerships and maintenance, and 32 when it comes to traffic and infrastructure.  Of course, Atlanta definitely has some traffic issues. And here in Augusta, we also know those rush-hour traffic delays too.

As for South Carolina, it didn’t rank nearly as well.  In fact, the Palmetto State came in at number 33 on the list!

Let’s take a look at the top 10 best states to drive in:

  • 10. Indiana

    Indiana

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 9. Kansas

    Kansas

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 8. Tennessee

    Tennessee

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 7. Texas

    Texas

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 6. Idaho

    Idaho

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 5. North Carolina

    North Carolina

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 4. Oklahoma

    Oklahoma

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 3. Ohio

    Ohio

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 2. Georgia

    Atlanta, Georgia

    Photo: Getty Images

  • 1. Iowa

    Iowa

    Photo: Getty Images

Darasha Singleton is a native of Augusta, Georgia who serves as the Digital Content Coordinator at Beasley Media Group. If you think there is nothing to do in Augusta, check her posts! You're sure to find something to do. Aside from work, Darasha enjoys going to the Saturday Market on the River and any local festivals.

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