HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Workers have started initial preparations to the Hill Air Force Base land for what will eventually be a new interstate interchange and gate entrance.
The project includes building abatements, site remediation and the demolition of what was formerly the Defense Non-Tactical Generator and Rail Equipment Center, or DGRC. While the project is ongoing, Aspen Avenue will be closed to both foot and vehicle traffic (see graphic). The road closure is expected to last until January 2022.
“This project has been in the making for a long time and is a genuine success story,” said Brett Christensen, EUL chief. “A lot of people, both from the Air Force side and from the state side, have put a lot of hard work and effort into making this happen. It’s a big deal and we’re happy that we’re finally seeing progress.”
Christensen said that when finished, there will be a positive impact to base traffic. He said the long-term goal is to build additional roads leading to the new gate, which will also improve the flow of traffic and allow for base growth.
The project falls under the Enhanced Use Lease umbrella, which allows the Air Force to transfer underutilized land to a private entity to develop. The Military Installation Development Authority is using state funds to pay for the DGRC demolition and site cleanup.
Once the project is complete, the land will be transferred to the state and the Utah Department of Transportation will begin construction on the interchange and the new base entry point at 1800 North and is expected to be completed in 2025.
The DGRC is the Department of Defense's sole capability for depot-level repair and maintenance of rail stock, rail equipment, and large scale non-tactical generator equipment. DGRC services the Army's, Air Force's and Navy's nationwide rail fleet. The DGRC mission relocated from Hill to Anniston Army Depot in Alabama in 2019.