The L369 traffic circle, the main feature of the ongoing phased L369 roadwork project, will open three months ahead of schedule on Feb. 17. Although the traffic circle will be open in February, construction will continue along L369 and the Ramstein Air Base approach to the circle through Nov. 2019. Reduced speeds and temporary lane shifts will be in effect through the end of 2019. At least one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open and the East Gate will be accessible at all times.
When all phases of construction are complete, the traffic circle will provide rapid access to and from Ramstein, as well as the medical center being constructed on Rhine Ordnance Barracks, and improve access from the local communities to the A6 autobahn.
“The opening of the traffic circle shows significant progress on this important traffic improvement project” said Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., 86th Airlift Wing Commander. “The traffic circle includes multiple bypass lanes to improve traffic flow. Increased signage will direct drivers; however, as the traffic circle is elaborate, we urge drivers to continue to exercise caution as they become familiar with the traffic circle layout and construction continues in the area. The Large Vehicle Inspection Station Gate, will be open Monday through Friday with the exception of German holidays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., is another option for POV access to Ramstein.”
L369 serves as the main connection road between local communities, Ramstein AB and the future medical center and the A6 junction at Einsiedlerhof. The German government, with oversight by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, began constructing the traffic circle project in November 2016.
L369 traffic will be further improved by the ongoing construction of the new seven lane Access Control Point to ROB and Ramstein as well as a bridge over L369 that will connect Kisling Memorial Drive at Ramstein to the medical center.
The ACP includes 600 meter stacking lanes that will prevent traffic from backing up onto L369. The new bridge, scheduled to begin late 2018, will connect the ACP with Ramstein providing direct access for wounded warriors from the Ramstein flight line to the new medical center. It will also reduce traffic on L369 as U.S. personnel will also be able to travel directly between installations. Upon completion of the ACP and bridge in 2020, the Ramstein East Gate will be closed and used only for contingencies.
The completion of the entire traffic circle project including the approach lanes in 2019 will mitigate the impact of the medical center construction traffic. “The completion of the L369 road work in 2019 is part of the comprehensive construction phasing plan that will minimize the impact of the medical center construction traffic, particularly as vertical construction is projected to begin in 2019”, explained the USACE Europe District Commander.
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