BALTIMORE, MD - Join us Sunday, May 6, when the Maryland Transportation Authority hosts the 4.3-mile walk across the eastbound span of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge. Weather permitting, the Walk begins at 9 a.m.
"We want everyone to enjoy the day and have fun with their families and friends," said Authority Executive Secretary Ronald L. Freeland. "I can't emphasize enough the importance of arriving at the parking lots early and following the established security measures. This will help us ensure a smooth event for all walkers." To prepare for the Walk, crews will close the eastbound span to traffic at 12 a.m. Two-way traffic will operate on the westbound span until 7 p.m. Motorists using the Bay Bridge on May 6 will experience significant delays throughout the day and early evening. To avoid delays, motorists are urged to travel prior to 5 a.m. or after 7:30 p.m. Walkers can begin boarding shuttles at 8:30 a.m. from three designated parking locations: Anne Arundel Community College (MD 2 at College Parkway in Arnold);
Navy Marine Corps Stadium (US 50/301 at Rowe Blvd. in Annapolis); and
Chesapeake Bay Business Park (MD 8 and MD 18 in Stevensville/Eastern Shore).
There is NO other parking available for the Walk. Walkers MUST board buses by 1 p.m. or before the parking lots close. In prior years, parking lots have filled before 11 a.m. Once lots are full, there will be no transportation to the bridge. Staff WILL NOT reopen lots after earlier walkers return. Participants are encouraged to arrive early!
From the parking areas, walkers are taken to the Eastern Shore side of the bridge. Walkers travel from east to west. After finishing the Walk, participants board buses to return to the parking lots. Individuals with disabilities are invited to participate, as all buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. There is a $1 donation for participants six and older to help defray the cost of the buses.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all, the following policies will be enforced: Backpacks, fanny packs and bags/diaper bags are NOT permitted unless made of see-through material. We encourage Walkers to use clear plastic bags to carry items.
Jogging, running, pets, portable radios, bikes, roller-skates/blades/shoes and other wheeled transportation are prohibited.
Wheelchairs, strollers and small wagons used to carry children are permitted.
For security and safety reasons, there are NO EXCEPTIONS. Individuals possessing prohibited items will not be permitted to board buses. The MdTA will not be responsible for items left at the boarding areas.
Most walkers complete the event in two hours. Walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable and layered clothing, keeping in mind that it is always cooler and breezier on the bridge than inland. The bridge's length, elevation, incline and susceptibility to crosswinds may make walking difficult for certain individuals. Those with health conditions that restrict standing or walking should use judgment when planning to participate.
Drinking water and portable restroom facilities (ADA accessible) will be available along the bridge. Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers will be stationed on the bridge to render assistance. If unable to complete the Walk, participants should approach a police officer for help. Event t-shirts will be available in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Marina at the beginning of the Walk. They will not be available at the end of the Walk.
The Walk will be canceled in the event of rain, high winds or extreme temperatures. Tune to your local TV or radio stations or call 1-877-BAYSPAN anytime after 6:30 a.m. on May 6 to learn the status of the Walk. If the event is canceled, it will not be rescheduled for this year.
Print or download an event fact sheet at www.baybridge.com.
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.
Note: If you choose to use an acronym, please refer to the Maryland Transportation Authority as MdTA. Thank you.
NOTE: Governor's Bay Bridge Run is a separate event sponsored by the Annapolis Striders. For additional information, please visit www.annapolisstriders.org. The run is limited to the first 3,000 registered runners. Registration is held in advance of the run date.
Contact:
Kelly Melhem
410-537-1017 |
