Fermilab

For immediate release

Press Contacts:
Mike Perricone (630-840-5678)
Kurt Riesselmann (630-840-5681)

Fermilab Announces New Security Measures Limiting Public Access

Batavia, Ill.-Officials at the Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory announced today (September 20) that, in response to heightened security concerns at federal facilities following the recent terrorist attacks, they would institute security measures severely restricting public access to the laboratory.

Access to the Fermilab site will be limited to Fermilab employees, visiting scientists and those with official business at the laboratory. Officials said they do not know how long the new security provisions will remain in effect.

Beginning on Friday, September 21, all guests and visitors to the Fermilab site will be required to enter Fermilab through the Pine Street entrance only. They will be directed to the Lederman Science Education Center where they will receive site passes after producing government-issued identification such as a driver's license or passport and verifying that they have official business at the laboratory. Visitors arriving at the Batavia Road or Wilson Street entrances will be redirected to Pine Street.

Also effective on September 21 will be the prohibition of use of the Fermilab site for recreational purposes. This means that pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as motorists, will be asked for Fermilab employee or user identification when entering the site. All automobile, pedestrian and bicycle traffic arriving at the site for recreational purposes will be turned away.

School groups escorted by teachers will still be admitted to the Fermilab site. Other tours have been canceled, along with visits to the Art Gallery.

"We regret the necessity to close the Fermilab site to our neighbors," said Fermilab Director Michael Witherell. "Fermilab's traditional openness to visitors is very important to us and to the community. We hope that our neighbors will understand the necessity for these steps, and we ask for their patience. At this time, we cannot predict how long these measures may be in effect."

Fermilab is a Department of Energy National Laboratory operated by Universities Research Association, Inc.

More information:
- Public access to cultural events at Fermilab
- Background information for concerned neighbors: Safety, Environment and Health at Fermilab

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