I recently watched this video supplied by HySecurity, a manufacturer we use here at ECI. It shows three sets of swing gates installed for the United Nations building in New York for their entry and exit gates.

There are a number of interesting take aways for this complete system.

The system at the entry gates uses a sally port to trap vehicles between the swing gates and a barrier gate for visual inspection by a security guard before the vehicle is allowed to proceed. Other high security vehicles can apparently pass through both the gate and the barrier without stopping. They must be equipped with a vehicle detector system, a RFID (radio frequency identification) tag or possibly a license plate tag.

A red and green traffic light shows red and indicates when a vehicle is in the sally port so another vehicle should stop and not enter. The swing gates may also be closed to deny access. Once the vehicle is cleared, the barrier gate is raised by security (the guard signals another guard in the guard booth to do so) and the traffic light turns green for another vehicle.

After the vehicle passes through the barrier gate a vehicle detector, either a vehicle detector loop or set of photo-electric beams, the swing gates are automatically closed.

Swing Gates Lift and Swing

Notice the swing gates both lift and swing. When opening they rise approximately 12 inches. The lift capability enables the gates to overcome such obstacles as curbs and inclines in the road. When the gates are closed, they are lowered back the same12 inches. The swing gates can then be mechanically locked with a pin and locking receptacle.

To complete the security system, there is, of course, the previously mentioned guard booth for the security guards. This is protected against damage on the street side by attractive bollards. Bollards also protect equipment inside the gate although they are less attractive. Closed circuit television surveys the immediate area. There is also a separate pedestrian portal gate.

Upon exiting, a vehicle detector sense a vehicle and relays to raise the barrier gate and the automatic swing gates are opened which allows the vehicle to proceed. If you look closely you can see flashing lights on the top of the barrier gates. There is also a second exit lane, presumably for heavy exit traffic.

Did you notice the layout with the pool of water directly in front of the gates? This could be an additional safety measure against vehicles ramming through the initially line of defense, the swing gates and barrier gate. To breach those defenses a heavy vehicle would have to be traveling at a high rate of speed. It is unlikely the driver could quickly navigate and make the turn and proceed along the circular driveway.

Learn more about systems offered by ECI on our Vehicle Access Control page. ECI can assist you in installation, service, repair or replacement of vehicle access control systems in Illinois, northwest Indiana as well as southeast Wisconsin. Call 847.949.0134 to find out how or click on the box below for contact information.