New gate barrier system near completion Published June 18, 2010 By Senior Airman R. J. BIERMANN 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- After several months of construction, Luke Air Force Base's new barrier systems are near completion. "The system will be used at installation entry control points to stop hostile forces," said Bob Beausoleil, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron mechanical engineer. "Luke's integrated barrier system is a great addition to our base defense." The system is designed primarily to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering or exiting the base. The barriers can stop a 15,000 pound vehicle, traveling up to 50 mph. Even if the vehicle does not impact the barrier, the reinforced walls will keep the vehicle contained until security forces arrives. "Now we can go from an open-road to a closed-road condition in a matter of seconds," Mr. Beausoleil said. "This system puts us in control of vehicle access at all times." The signal lights at pop-up barriers indicate the status of the barrier and should not be thought of as traffic control signals, especially at intersections. Below are several instructions when encountering the barriers: -The middle traffic light will illuminate as a solid yellow light for three seconds. -Simultaneously, flashing lights will illuminate the roadside signs which state "Active Barrier Ahead." -After three seconds of the solid yellow, the light will turn to solid red for one second. -Immediately afterward the barrier will rise quickly. -No audible alarms are present at any of the barriers. High speed indicator: -If a vehicle is traveling inbound above the posted speed limit, an audible and visual alarm will go off heightening the guards' awareness. -An audible and visual alarm will go off if a vehicle attempts to enter through the outbound lanes. For more information, call Mr. Beausoleil at (623) 856-4725.