The temporary closure of Gate 9, the northern access point to Redstone Arsenal and the most highly-trafficked entrance to the Army base, has been set as the final step toward transitioning to the long-anticipated new gate.

Officials announced Wednesday that Gate 9 inbound will close June 30 at 2 p.m. and reopen at 5 a.m. on July 5. Gate 9 will close July 1 at 6 a.m. to outbound traffic and reopen at 6 a.m. on July 2.

The gate on Rideout Road is being relocated about three-fourths of a mile to the south.

"Gate 9 is Redstone Arsenal's busiest gate and nearly 50 percent of daily traffic enters at this point," Garrison Commander Col. Tom Holliday said in a statement. "This new gate helps us to be a little safer and more secure. We appreciate everyone's patience as we continue to improve conditions."

Gate 8 on Patton Road will be the 24/7 entrance point to the arsenal while Gate 9 is closed.

Redstone Gateway will remain accessible to vehicular traffic while Gate 9 is closed except for July 1 at 6 a.m. until July 2 at 6 a.m.

On Monday, July 3, all inbound gates will be operational except Gate 9.

The Gate 9 visitor center will remain open.

The current security structure at Gate 9 will remain in place for now and traffic should proceed slowly through the gate upon approach to the new gate to the south, Army officials said.