WASHINGTON – Stepped-up security is coming to Ocean City’s boardwalk, in the form of barriers to better prevent car or truck attacks.
Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed on the boardwalk, but there are more than 30 locations along its length where they could get access.
At their Tuesday meeting, town leaders agreed to spend $155,000 to hire the company JMT to design the barricades.
Last November, town leaders agreed to set aside $80,000 to hire the design firm, but City Engineer Terry McGean said out of four bids received, JMT’s was best.
“They are currently doing a similar project at the Inner Harbor, so we feel very confident in their qualifications,” McGean said. The additional cost will likely be incorporated into the budget for fiscal year 2019.
The goal is to put up barriers, such as bollards or gates, that are strong enough to stop a medium-sized truck from smashing through at speeds of 30 to 40 mph.
“The first phase is to have full access control with a combination of temporary and permanent measures for this season. You may see some things that are not the most visually attractive, but are getting the job done,” McGean said.
The second phase of the plan is to have all barriers made permanent by the summer of 2019.
Boardwalk AccessMap by wtopweb onScribd
