D Street Gate likely to not re-open

By RangerKen on May 13, 2020

Lt. Gen Randy George, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord commander told a town hall audience via Facebook, Tuesday that although still being discussed, it is highly unlikely that the D Street Gate will re-open in the future.

The gate is on the back end of North Fort closest to Lakewood and Steilacoom. It has been closed since late March.

“Right now, if I was going to tell you, I would say no,” George said of the gate’s future re-opening, “because of the way that gate is structured.”

George said it doesn’t meet standards.

“I have personally inspected that gate and it does not meet the safety requirements,” he added.

George said Tuesday that Integrity Gate, closer to DuPont, is open, and can serve the military population.

On Facebook, several military personnel and spouses have expressed their disappointment. Comments on JBLM's Facebook page included : ” Unless you live here you won’t understand how badly we need this gate!!! Think about schools and my special needs kids time on the bus!!!” Plus, “It makes the route to Lakewood and Steilacoom so much faster and helps keep congestion on I-5 lower.” – Ranger Staff