JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson will implement altered gate schedules, adjust on-base traffic patterns and run base shuttles during Arctic Thunder Open House, Aug. 8 and 9, 2026.
The information below is to help all guests and base residents have a safe, secure and enjoyable experience.
Gate access and traffic routes
Throughout ATOH, gate access and traffic routes will change from normal operations to accommodate ATOH guests while maintaining access for those with base privileges.
Main Access points to ATOH for those without base access
- Boniface Gate and Richardson Gate
These gates will maintain 24/7 operations for those with base access. Beginning at 9 a.m., they will only allow entry for ATOH attendees. Base residents will not be able to access other areas of base, such as the Commissary, by entering these gates.
All vehicles are subject to search. Please refer to the prohibited items list before arriving.
At noon, Boniface Gate and Richardson Gate will switch to outbound traffic only. Visitors planning to drive or carpool must arrive on base before noon. Please note that once the base reaches capacity, gates will close. This means gates could close earlier than noon.
ATOH guests are encouraged to carpool, ride bikes, ride the People Mover, or use alternate modes of transportation. For People Mover pickup locations, please visit their website at https://www.muni.org/departments/transit/peoplemover/Pages/arcticthunderroutedetails.aspx.
For those with base access NOT attending ATOH (going to Commissary, Exchange, Hospital, housing, etc.):
- Muldoon Gate for Fort Richardson access
- Government Hill Gate for Elmendorf access
Muldoon Gate will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Government Hill Gate will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Richardson Highway will be used only for public access to ATOH parking.
Shuttle times and locations
To help with traffic, an on-base shuttle service to ATOH entry points will be available to those with base access on Aug. 8 and 9.
The shuttle will start at 9 a.m. and will send a bus to each stop approximately every 15 minutes to go to ATOH. Shuttle pickups from ATOH will end at 3:30 p.m. Buses will be labeled with drop-off locations.
Pick-up and drop-off locations:
Elmendorf side – Talkeetna Theater and Hangar 5
Fort Richardson side – Commissary and Frontier Theater
For more information regarding base access, road closures and gate access during the event, refer to https://www.jber.jb.mil/Info/Arctic-Thunder-Open-House/, or contact JBER Public Affairs at 907-551-8996 or via email at arctic.thunder@us.af.mil. Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JBERAK/ for the most up-to-date information regarding event details.
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