FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- Fort Lewis law enforcement officials have reopened the main gate to the installation after investigating a suspicious vehicle in the Visitors' Center parking lot.

Officials refused to elaborate on exactly what made the vehicle suspicious.

As a matter of precaution and public safety, the Visitors' Center and parking lot were evacuated and the Fort Lewis main gate was closed during the investigation, base spokesman Joseph Piek said.

The Washington State Patrol closed the north and southbound exit lanes to Fort Lewis' main gate for about one hour just before 6 p.m.