Out of This World

Video by Sanders Hall

Wilson Boulevard to be completely open for traffic Friday, Dec. 23

Marine Corps Installations East

Nov. 18, 2016 | 0:48

Wilson Boulevard on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will completely open to all traffic beginning Friday, Dec. 23.

The ten-year, three-phased, $203M project began as an answer to the over-stressed main gate during the USMC Grow the Force initiative in 2006. The network of roads, bridges and an added main gate constitutes more than seven miles of roadway.

The new roadway named for General Louis Hugh Wilson, Jr., a World War II Medal of Honor recipient and the 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps, will significantly reduce the traffic flow that is currently routed through officer housing from the Wilson Gate, which was opened earlier this year.

Prior to the new construction, the only way to access the Tarawa Terrace area was via Highway 24. The new gate and road will provide access to emergency services for military families without them having to leave the base. The project also features a safe and separate pedestrian path that parallels the entire length of the roadway to accommodate bicyclists, runners and walkers.