NSA Bethesda Partially Reopens Gate 3, Still High MD 355 Traffic

BETHESDA, MD — Following a heightened state of security in the wake of the killing of an Iranian general, Naval Support Activity Bethesda is restricting access to multiple gates, potentially causing heavy traffic in other areas.

Base security initially closed gates three and four, but later announced gate three will remain partially open. Still, the restricted access to gate three, and closure of gate four, will boost traffic at the remaining open gates and the roadways surrounding them, namely MD 355

The order to close gates came down on Saturday, Jan. 4, in the days following the killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

Here's the current gate schedule, as obtained from NSA Bethesda:

• Gate 1 (Visitor Center/North Gate) – Open ‪24/7
• Gate 2 (South Gate, across from Metro)
  • - Open to inbound and outbound traffic from 5 to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday
  • - Closed to vehicle traffic, 8:31 a.m. to 2:59 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • - Automated pedestrian turnstiles access remains available 24/7
  • - ADA swing gates will remain open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • - Open to OUTBOUND traffic only from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • - Closed on weekends
• Gate 3 (NEX Gate)
  • Open to INBOUND vehicle traffic only from 5 to 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday
  • Open to OUTBOUND vehicle traffic only from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Closed to all pedestrian traffic
• Gate 4 (Navy Lodge) – Closed to vehicles and pedestrians until further notice
• Gate 5 (USU Gate) – Open 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday

All non-DoD people without official identification will have to go to Gate 1 to get a pass, then to Gate 5 for a vehicle inspection before entering the base.

For more information and for updates, visit the NSA Bethesda Facebook.

Related:

• AP Explains: Rising Iran-US Tension After Killing Of General
• 'A More Dangerous World': Iran Killing Triggers Global Alarm