MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Construction continues at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and station residents can expect permanent road development changes in the upcoming month.
One of the purposes of these roadway modifications is to eliminate the need for vehicles to cross an aircraft taxiway and to support continued operations during the Defense Policy Review Initiative’s construction efforts, which affects approximately 77 percent of the installation.
According to Hayden Vesprey, the DPRI planning chief aboard station, in order to support the transition of units, the air station needs additional structures and modifications to mitigate traffic from the anticipated influx of vehicles.
“As you can tell right now, changes are occurring as we speak,” said Vesprey. “We will be doubling the population of the base, which means more families, more vehicles and more parking spaces needed.”
Permanent roadway construction includes a new south underpass beneath Taxiway E. Currently, vehicles must drive across the flightline causing a potential safety hazard for approaching aircraft. DPRI officials also expect Outer Circle Dr., near the port entrance, to close for this construction Oct. 20. However, this date is subjected to change if any unforeseen events occur from now until then.
Drivers heading toward IronWorks gymnasium or motor transportation can anticipate a safer commute as the existing three overlapping intersections are scheduled to become a four-way stop, helping traffic flow easier, improving safety and increasing visibility. Construction began Aug. 17 and will last until early September.
Long wait in traffic, numerous detours, temporary road changes and safety associated with construction traffic are some issues station officials have had with the current roadways and routes said John Lackie, the DPRI deputy director aboard station.
“I think the families will be happier with more route options and roads opening up,” said Vesprey. “Right now everyone is frustrated from the changes … but there will be a good outcome from it.”
Recently, KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueled Transport Squadron 152 arrived aboard the air station relocating from MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. This movement is part of the latest DPRI realignment of U.S. forces in the Pacific region to mitigate the impact of Marines stationed on Okinawa.
According to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, DPRI redefines roles, missions, and capabilities of alliance forces and outlines key realignment and transformation initiatives, enhancing interoperability and communication between the two countries' respective commands.
“More than 85 various support facilities such as new schools, housing, medical family care center, commissary, gymnasiums, post office, exchange, etc., are being constructed under the DPRI program to support the increase of base population attributable to military units relocating to MCAS Iwakuni,” said Lackie.
Overall, road safety conditions continue to improve as the need for vehicles to cross taxiways decreases. Although conditions on the installation are progressively improving as the installation is being reconstructed, residents should expect that there may still be traffic delays during peak hours, said Lackie.
“We greatly appreciate the understanding of the station residents as we do the best to mitigate concerns and make this a smooth transition,” said Vesprey. “We want everyone to know what’s going on, so hopefully, they can have a sense for all of this construction. Good things are coming and you can already see structures springing up such as the new barracks, new Sakura Theater, post office and commissary.”