Gates at Redstone Arsenal are operating with the maximum number of guards available, according to the top garrison safety official, who said it's up to those working on the installation to do their part to help solve the growing traffic problem.

"We're operating every day at our maximum manpower capacity," said Mike Sheehy, director of Emergency Services at Redstone. "We do not have the ability to increase total gate throughput. We must rely on customers to help reduce congestion and the associated hazard at I-565 and elsewhere by adjusting driving schedules and using gates that have lower volume and longer queuing capability."

The traffic issue - brought about by the furlough of guards at the installation's access points - has moved to the forefront since about 15,500 Department of Defense workers on Redstone Arsenal began their one-day-per week furloughs last week. Traffic problems were the worst on Friday, when three gates were closed during the busy morning rush hour and lines of cars backed up for miles on I-565 outside Gate 9.

Sheehy said arsenal officials have been analyzing traffic flow and congestion since the furloughs began.

"We've now seen an entire week of the furlough effects on traffic," Sheehy said. "We've reviewed issues and measured impact. We are seeing customers adjust their driving patterns... resulting in decreased traffic congestion. As we continue to analyze the demand, our primary concern remains the safety of the workforce and customers as they enter the arsenal."

In anticipation of another busy Friday, arsenal officials are urging drivers to re-evaluate the way they get to work.

"On Friday we observed that Gate 1 was operating at capacity, Gate 9 was overwhelmed while Gate 10 was being underutilized," said Col. Bill Marks, Garrison Commander, Redstone Arsenal. "We urge travelers who are approaching Redstone from the west along I-565 to bypass exit 14 for Gate 9 and use exits 15 or 17 to access Gate 10."

As drivers become more familiar with the gate hours and options, traffic patterns should stabilize, Marks said. Even with the delays, however, he said safety for all those accessing the arsenal, as well as commuters stuck in the traffic on I-565, is the top priority.

"Everyone wants to get to work in a reasonable amount of time but we ask everyone to slow down, allow plenty of time to travel to work and have patience with our guards and employees at the gates," Marks said. "It's not worth one fatality or any other tragedy."