Joint Base Lewis-McChord is on the verge of taking joint-basing to a whole new level.

A recent release from JBLM confirmed that a long-term construction project for a new road and overpass that will cross over Perimeter Road, which bisects JBLM Main and McChord Field, has begun. The project will link both sides of the base and allow servicemembers and other employees to travel across the base easily.

Phase I of the project, which involved clearing trees from the projected construction path, is almost done and phase II, the construction of support pillars, will begin June 23 and run through Aug. 23. During that time, JBLM will close South Gate Road and the McChord Field Commercial Vehicle Inspection Point (CVIP) while the bridge pillars are being built.

According to the announcement from the JBLM Department of Public Works, commercial vehicles that normally enter the McChord Field CVIP will use the McChord Field North Gate, which is located at the intersection of South Tacoma Way and 112th Street. The North Gate will be open for commercial vehicle traffic daily from 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Again, phase II should be completed by Aug. 23, however, all road construction and paving projects are weather dependent and therefore subject to change.

The next part of the project, phase III, should begin in fall of 2014 and will include the installation of support girders on the overpass pillars. The work will result in temporary lane closures on Perimeter Road and East Lincoln Avenue in order to get the paving done.

Moving forward, phase IV which will include paving to connect the new road to Barnes Boulevard will take place in the late fall of 2014. There will be temporary lane closures on Barnes Boulevard with alternating one-direction of travel controlled by traffic flaggers. Detour signs will be setup in order to assist motorists around the closure areas.

Despite the disruptions, JBLM officials are aiming to maintain the same level of service for drivers who are entering and exiting the base.

The final phase will occur during the winter and will consist of the remaining aspects of the project, such as curbing and lane striping. The estimated project completion is in the spring of 2015.

Ongoing updates regarding the construction will be posted at lewis-mcchord.army.mil and at facebook.com/JBLewisMcChord.