''The post is not closed, but we are at the highest security level,'' said James Hudgins, a fort spokesman. ''When you have this heightened sense of security, it alters operations in such a way that it becomes the number one priority.''

The nation's military bases tightened security Tuesday after terrorists crashed hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

That meant that every vehicle entering Fort Gordon had to be searched, its driver and any passengers had to carry proper identification, and visitors had to have a valid reason to visit the base, Mr. Hudgins said.

Cars wait in lines for miles outside Fort Gordon. As the nation's military bases tightened security Wednesday, Fort Gordon officials searched cars and checked the identifications of those entering the post. ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF

Those measures made for a two-hour wait to enter the base during Wednesday morning's rush hour, although delays shrunk to only a few minutes during slower periods, Mr. Hudgins said.

The post is examining ways to further shrink slowdowns, including staggering work schedules, the spokesman said.

''I'm hoping by tomorrow, there will be some relief,'' Mr. Hudgins said. ''We're reviewing the process. We're seeing how we can alleviate this.''

The attacks affected some events scheduled to be held at the fort. The Fort Gordon Officers' Wives Club canceled its fall flea market, which had been scheduled for Saturday.

The Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre postponed some performances of its production of See How They Run. The shows, which had been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, will be Oct. 5-6, said Steve Walpert, the theater's director.

Mr. Hudgins said Wednesday morning that he had received no word of Fort Gordon soldiers being deployed in response to Tuesday's attacks.

Day-shift workers returned to Savannah River Site as usual Wednesday, although security at the site remained high, said Julie Petersen, an SRS spokeswoman.

''Basically everybody's here and trying to go about the day as normal,'' Ms. Petersen said.

Operations were suspended Tuesday at the federal nuclear-weapons installation after the terrorist attacks.

Reach Brandon Haddock at (706) 823-3409 or bhaddock@augustachronicle.com.