BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) today announced that Bay Bridge Walks will not be held in 2008 or 2009 due to the Bay Bridge Preservation Project that will be underway.
The area near the base of the eastbound span, where participants board buses at the end of the walk, will be unavailable during the two-year project, as it will be used to store equipment, the new pre-fabricated deck panels and other construction materials.
“This was certainly a difficult decision to make, and we did not take it lightly,” said Authority Executive Secretary Ronald L. Freeland. “We understand the excitement and anticipation that surrounds this event; however, the safety of participants -- who would need to walk through a construction area in order to board buses for their return trips -- is our number-one priority.”
The Bay Bridge Walk has been cancelled three times due to inclement weather in 1980, 2002 and 2007, was cancelled in 2003 for heightened security and was cancelled in 2005 for westbound construction and evaluation of event feasibility. In 1977, the walk was postponed and rescheduled due to weather; however, poor attendance on the rain date prompted the Authority not to reschedule subsequent cancelled walks.
The Authority regrets any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding. For current traffic conditions at the Bay Bridge, call 1-877-BAYSPAN. Visit www.baybridge.com to view traffic images from the bridge’s approaches, sign up for email and traffic alerts and learn more about the Bay Bridge Preservation Project.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is an independent State agency that finances, owns and operates the State’s seven toll facilities. The Authority’s eight Members, appointed by the Governor with consent of the State Senate, serve as the agency’s policy-setting and governing body. Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation serves as Authority Chairman.
CONTACT:
Cheryl Sparks or
Kelly Melhem
410-537-1017 |
