HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Communities surrounding the base will celebrate Patriots’ Day and the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord with events and activities April 19.
Team Hanscom personnel, tenant organizations, residents, visitors and families are encouraged to plan early. Large crowds, road closures and traffic delays are expected to impact communities around Hanscom AFB.
Installation leaders have authorized the opening of the Marrett Street Gate for pedestrian access to Minute Man National Historical Park and local shuttle services between town activities and events.
Gate hours
Sartain Gate will remain open 24-hours for commercial and oversized vehicle access and visitors requiring passes. The Visitor Control Center will be open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 19. Sartain Gate access will only be available via Virginia Road due to area road closures.
Ruiz Gate will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 19. Visitor passes will not be issued at the Ruiz Gate. Officials recommend using exit 49 from I-95 to access the installation via Hartwell Avenue.
Marrett Street Gate will be open to pedestrian traffic only on April 19, from 6 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Personnel must present one of the following credentials when entering the installation through Marrett Street Gate:
- Common Access Card
- Next Generation USID (issued to military dependents and retirees)
- DBIDS card
- Paper visitor pass with valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- Minor dependents, ages 17 and under, do not need to show identification when they are accompanied by their military sponsor
- Trusted traveler and ID card scanning will not be available for Marrett Street Gate access. Those without the proper credentials will not be allowed access onto the installation.
Shuttle service
A local community shuttle bus will operate between Lexington, Concord and Lincoln from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 19. The shuttle will make stops along Route 2A at the following locations:
Walking
Pedestrians will be able to walk from the Marrett Street Gate to the shuttle stop at Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor Center, 210 N. Great Road, Lincoln, MA. The Marrett Street Gate will be open from 6 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Parking on the installation
- Limited parking near the Marrett Street Gate will be available on the installation for anyone with base access. Base residents are encouraged to walk from their homes.
- Recommended parking areas are highlighted in green on the map below.
- Street parking is available in marked spots only.
Visitors
- Visitors who do not have a CAC, USID or DBIDS card must obtain a paper visitor pass from the Sartain Gate, if they intend to access the installation through the Marrett Street Gate. The paper visitor pass along with a current, unexpired driver’s license or state issued ID card will be required to enter the installation. Trusted traveler will not be in effect for Marrett Street Gate access.
- Commercial vehicles and other oversized vehicles will be processed through the Sartain Gate only. If possible, schedule deliveries for days other than April 19. Vendors expecting deliveries and anyone requiring commercial vehicle use on April 19 are encouraged to communicate road closures and detours with drivers.
Road closures
- Exit 46B on I-95 South will be closed on April 19. Drivers should use exit 49B to access the installation via Hartwell Avenue and the Ruiz Gate.
- Route 2A will be closed between the intersection of Marrett Road and Massachusetts Avenue along North Great Road to Cambridge Turnpike on April 19 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lexington: Massachusetts Avenue will be closed between Waltham Street and Forest Street from April 18 at 8 p.m. to April 19 at 8 p.m. and between Worthen Street and Pleasant Street April 19 from 12 to 6 p.m. Park Drive will also be closed April 19 from midnight to 6 p.m.
- Concord: The roads around Concord town center will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Local area parking and mass transit
Community events links
Events are subject to change. Visit the community websites for the most up-to-date and current information.
Local area spectator guidelines from MA250
- Always stay in designated viewing areas during events. Do not enter reenactment areas, parade routes or interfere with events in progress.
- Please respect private property.
- Dispose of trash and recycling properly in the receptacles provided at event sites.
- Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Local smoking and vaping ordinances will be in effect.
- Spectators are asked not to bring weapons, flammable liquids, fireworks, tents, canopies, coolers, suitcases or rolling bags, ladders or step stools to any event.
- Bags are subject to search at any time.
- Bags and items left unattended are subject to removal by police.
- Drone and UAV flying is prohibited at all 250th events.
For a full list of dos and don’ts, visit the communities’ events links.