Construction, school opening increase need for awareness Published Aug. 27, 2013 By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The safety of Incirlik children must be given extra consideration while driving now that school began Aug. 26, and the traffic pattern in the area of the Incirlik Unit School has changed because of ongoing road construction. The detour requires drivers traveling to the main gate or IUS to take D Cad to Istanbul Street through Phantom Housing, and then turn left on E Cad. It is vital that all drivers take extra heed to the posted speed limit (25 kph/15 mph in housing) and be cautious for children at play and/or walking to school since there will be an increased number of vehicles detouring through housing, said Tech. Sgt. Fatimat Bello, 39th Air Base Wing safety NCO in charge of investigations. "With the increased number of children, drivers need to be extremely vigilant," she cautioned. "Do not swerve around speed bumps; they are there for a reason." Although the roundabout at the intersection of E Cad and 2nd Street has been completed, not all road construction in that area is finished as evidenced by road closure and detour signs. As the next portion of pavement between the main gate on E Cad and 1st Street near the school is being improved, the E Cad roundabout exit south of 2nd Street will remain closed. It is also important to keep in mind when entering the main gate, drivers must turn left unless driving to the school due to the roadway improvement project. The construction project is slated to be finished in November of this year, said Caner San, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron construction inspector. Drivers also need to pay extra attention since there are more contractors working on base and in man-holes on the road installing new telecommunication lines, Bello added. "Typically, the workers have cones and an observer near the man-hole," Bello said. "However, this is not always the case." Be on the lookout for open man-holes while driving, cycling and walking, she said. Tune in to the Commander's Access Channel for more information regarding base construction.