NOVEMBER 4, 2026 — Apache Gate is tentatively scheduled to close Tuesday, Nov. 10, for approximately eight weeks while construction crews relocate warning lights and signal equipment to improve roadway safety.
The closure will affect Soldiers, civilian employees, families, contractors and visitors who regularly use the gate. Installation officials are coordinating alternative access routes and traffic management measures to minimize disruptions while completing the necessary improvements.
The start date and construction timeline remain subject to change as the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), Directorate of Public Works (DPW), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and contractors finalize project schedules.
“This project is an essential safety correction,” said Ryan Clark, chief of the Physical Security Division for Fort Sill’s DES.
According to Clark, warning light and signal poles were installed too close to the roadway, creating a potential collision hazard. Construction crews will remove the affected poles and install an extended overhead mast arm to provide safer clearance for vehicles.
Because the work involves removing heavy steel poles immediately adjacent to the pavement, Apache Gate must remain completely closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout construction.
“There is no safe way to perform the work under partial lane closures,” Clark said.
What drivers need to know
During the closure, passenger vehicles will be redirected to alternative entrances, primarily Key Gate East and Key Gate West on Randolph Road.
All commercial delivery and contractor vehicles must use Key Gate West, Lane 3, for the duration of the project.
DES recommends commuters allow an additional 15 to 20 minutes during morning and afternoon peak travel periods. Access control staffing and operating hours are being evaluated to help accommodate the increased traffic.
Visitor processing requirements will remain unchanged, but visitors without military identification should check official Fort Sill information sources before arriving to determine the appropriate entrance.
Coordinating construction to maintain access
The Apache Gate project is being coordinated with improvements at other installation access points to avoid overlapping closures and maintain traffic flow.
Key Gate West reopened Oct. 28 following repairs to its vehicle barrier system. Work to replace the sliding gate at Scott Gate is also nearing completion, with officials working to ensure alternative entrances are operational before Apache Gate closes.
“By spacing these projects out, we ensure that there is always sufficient gate capacity to support the installation,” Clark said.
DES has also reviewed and coordinated alternative routes for fire, medical and law enforcement personnel to maintain emergency response capabilities throughout construction.
Lt. Col. Chafac Mofor, Fort Sill provost marshal, emphasized the importance of completing the safety improvements while maintaining installation security and minimizing inconvenience to the community.
The project supports Fort Sill’s ongoing efforts to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure for the Soldiers, civilians, families and community partners who depend on the installation.
Stay informed during construction
DES encourages drivers to plan ahead, follow designated detours and check the My Army Post App (MAPA) for current gate hours, wait times, gate status and detour information.
Updates, including any changes to the anticipated closure dates, will also be available through official Fort Sill communication channels, including the installation website and social media.
Apache Gate is expected to reopen after approximately eight weeks, pending construction progress and final safety inspections.
Fort Sill officials appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as crews complete the improvements to provide safer installation access for years to come.
Download the My Army Post App (MAPA) from your app store.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mil.aswf.garrison&hl=en_US&pli=1
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myarmypost/id6467240977
Story by Chris Gardner
Fort Sill Public Affairs