Construction on new traffic circle begins this month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  A new traffic junction will be constructed beginning Nov. 28 outside the East Gate. The new junction, described as a turbo circle, is a State Authority for Mobility (LBM) project, designed to meet future traffic needs.

According to LBM, the project is scheduled to occur in five phases. The first phase, the re-routing of the L369 in the area of the new traffic circle, separates the construction site from existing traffic.

Officials stress that while at least one lane of traffic will always be open in each direction on L369 during the entire construction project, drivers must maintain awareness.

“Flowing traffic reduces the likelihood of congestion and accidents. Put down all the distractions and drive,” said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Hernandez, 86th Airlift Wing ground safety technician. “Keep your situational awareness to keep yourself and the drivers around you safe.”

The first phase is scheduled to be completed by the end of this December.

Traffic will be re-routed to allow cars in both directions to flow under minimal stress without the aid of a traffic light.

However, traffic flow may be impacted during construction phase changes when lane-switching or new installation of traffic safety barriers are installed.

“Cold, rainy weather has started and will get worse before it gets better,” said Hernandez. “Snow and ice will make it more difficult to stop a moving car, and if traffic is getting backed up, if one person isn’t paying attention, there could be a major pileup.”

The project is scheduled to be completed during the second half of 2019. The LBM asked for traveler patience and understanding during this time.