Ocean City to install barriers along boardwalk access points

Open areas like boardwalks and sidewalks have unfortunately become the targets of terrorist attacks throughout the world. That's why the Town of Ocean City has decided to be proactive by agreeing to fund a project that will install barriers along boardwalk access points.

Every summer, thousands of people walk up and down the Ocean City boardwalk enjoying the sun, the shops and everything else the beautiful resort town has to offer. 

The worry is at any given time, someone could drive their vehicle onto the boardwalk and cause a lot of damage in a matter of minutes.

That's why officials are taking action. City council approved of a plan to put up barriers that would prevent any type of unauthorized car or truck to get on to the 2.5 mile stretch. 

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said, "The council felt unanimously that this was something we needed to address immediately and have in place prior to the summer of 2018."

Several Ocean City streets run right up to the boardwalk, and the only thing preventing a car from riding onto the boards is the threat of a $250 fine. That's why the town of Ocean City says a barrier system is so important.

Mayor Meehan said, "For the most part what we're going to do is make sure that somebody just can't, on their own initiative, again, intentionally or unintentionally drive up onto our boardwalk."

Phil Houck, an Ocean City business owner said, "I think it's a great idea, especially when I saw the tragedy in New York City. First thing I thought of was the boardwalk on the south end. How can they stop somebody soon enough before they hurt a lot of people? A lot of crazy people in the world, we definitely don't want them here."

Meehan told 47ABC the town is working with their engineer to explore ways to create a retractable barrier at some locations to still allow emergency officials to access to the beach.

Officials said that as of right now, this is one of the top priorities for the off season.

Ocean City Officials tell 47ABC that this project should be complete by next summer.

They also say that the funding for this project will be coming out of Ocean City's general funds.