YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The pedestrian bridge that connects Yokota’s terminal gate to the west side of the installation reopened Oct. 25, after the completion of renovations that started in May of 2022.
The temporary crosswalk is no longer in use and all pedestrian traffic wishing to move between the west side and terminal gates will be directed to the newly renovated pedestrian bridge as of Oct. 27.
Members that utilize the pedestrian bridge are reminded to walk with their bikes during peak hours, Monday-Friday at 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
“Our concern with being out here this morning, is there’s some people who are new to Yokota, and may not understand what this bridge is for,” said Col. Julie Gaulin, 374th Airlift Wing vice commander. “We’re giving one last safety check to make sure people know they don’t have to use the temporary crosswalk or worry about flags anymore.”
Gaulin and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Lingle, 374th Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, took time to remind pedestrians of the safety rules when utilizing the bridge and notify them of the crosswalk closure that was used during the construction.
“This has always been the way here at Yokota that people transition from each side,” said Gaulin. “It’s really just to get that extra layer of safety so people won’t have to cross the busy Route 16.”