Gate improvement project under way

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  66th Civil Engineering Division officials announced earlier this week that construction has begun to install overhead shelters at Hanscom's three gates.

According to CE officials, all work will be done outside of peak morning and afternoon traffic hours.

"The new structures will provide shelter to 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel who provide security to the installation 365 days a year in all weather conditions," said Jerry Sorensen, a program manager for CE who is managing the project. "These long-overdue canopies will be similar structures to those found at other installations."

When the project is complete, each gate will be under cover.

Sorensen said work will be done one gate at a time to avoid any significant traffic delays, although members of the community should expect some disruption.

"There is no way possible to make the improvements without some impact," he said. "Everyone's cooperation and understanding as we construct the canopies is greatly appreciated."

Contractors began earlier this week with minor excavation at the Hartwell Gate, Sorensen said. That work is expected to last through the end of the month.

"With this initial work at the Hartwell Gate, we expect very minimal disruption to traffic as a result of the Thanksgiving holiday," he said.

During this period, the Hartwell Gate will remain open 24/7, and hours at the Vandenberg and MIT Lincoln Laboratory gates will also remain the same. Normal operating hours for the Vandenberg Gate are Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on holidays and Air Force Materiel Command Family Days. The MIT Lincoln Lab gate is only open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Capt. Christopher McNamee, 66th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, looks forward to the improvements for those who work at the gates throughout the year.

"Our entry controllers operate in all types of weather, even when the base is closed for blizzard conditions, so this is a welcome addition," he said. "During this period, security will remain our number one priority, so there may be some delays to ensure that Hanscom Air Force Base is able to fulfill its mission."

Work is expected to continue through the winter; however, the project schedule is contingent upon weather conditions and could be subject to delays or changes. Additional information on this project will be announced in future articles.

For further information, contact Sorensen at 781-225-2973.