RICHLAND, Wash. – Crews are upgrading security barriers at the three vehicle barricades on the Hanford Site, adding concrete barriers and relocating sand barrels placed in front of the guardhouse.

“Due to the national security assets that DOE is responsible for protecting, access is limited and securely maintained at all times by a professional, armed protective force,” said Timothy Haddick, security, emergency services, and information management division director. “Upgrades to security also benefit our safety posture, due to the unique hazards to people and the environment at the Hanford Site. Our ongoing investment in site access control is vital to continuing to effectively maintain security and safety.”

Before: The Hanford Site previously used an arrangement of sand barrels to provide an added layer of vehicle protection to the site’s access points.
Before: The Hanford Site previously used an arrangement of sand barrels to provide an added layer of vehicle protection to the site’s access points.

Employees access the Hanford Site through one of three vehicle barricades by displaying appropriate credentials. EM Richland Operations Office (RL) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) used feedback from the Hanford Patrol, roads and grounds staff, and engineers before starting the upgrades recently.

Near the guardhouse of the first barricade to receive upgrades, workers added a concrete barrier, which offers permanent protection, and reduced the number of sand barrels, which are susceptible to degradation from ultraviolet sun rays and periodically need to be replaced.

After: Improvements to a vehicle security barricade on the Hanford Site include a permanent concrete barrier used in conjunction with sand barrel barriers to protect the guardhouse and patrol staff.
After: Improvements to a vehicle security barricade on the Hanford Site include a permanent concrete barrier used in conjunction with sand barrel barriers to protect the guardhouse and patrol staff.

“The upgrades will protect the patrol officers, the guardhouse infrastructure, and reduce future costs needed to replace barrels,” said Brian Von Bargen, vice president of interface and integration services for HMIS.

A barricade closest to nearby Richland was the first to receive the upgrades. Two other barricades on the western side of the site will also receive similar upgrades.