Jacksonville Police will aggressively issue citations for motorists who block intersections during the busy commuter periods along Lejeune Boulevard on Monday.
“Police and Traffic controllers have seen an increase in motorists blocking intersections as they attempt to use the single gate into Tarawa Terrace, rather than using the newer Wilson Gate into Camp Lejeune. The problem is more severe in the afternoon, when there is limited time for traffic headed west on Lejeune Boulevard to make left turns into the Tarawa Terrace II Gate” said Lieutenant Sean Magill, JPD Field Operations Supervisor.
Motorists should not enter an intersection until the traffic is clear and should not enter an intersection that they cannot clear. Beginning Monday, Police will issue citations to motorists who create the blocked intersection condition.
The gate at Tarawa Terrace I has been closed as a result of the increased security status. Some traffic that might have been handled at that gate has been diverted to Tarawa Terrace II gate. That gate aligns with Western Boulevard’s intersection with Lejeune Boulevard, an already busy intersection in the morning and afternoon.
The Tarawa Terrace II gate is to a residential area and has limited capacity to handle traffic. Additional security measures also contribute to some congestion at the gate.
Those attempting to enter the Tarawa Terrace II gate when there are already cars backed up are blocking the intersection and now could be cited.
“Motorists headed for most parts of Camp Lejeune should consider the Wilson Gate, as it has additional capacity by design and can handle more traffic with less impact on Lejeune Boulevard” said Magill.