Bridge walkers expected in force

Organizers of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk are anticipating a record number of participants tomorrowy, after canceling the event the past two years.

“This is a family-orientated event that allows people … to enjoy the spectacular views of the precious natural resource that is the Chesapeake Bay,” said Kelly Melhem of the Maryland Transportation Authority, the event sponsor.

The first bridge walk in April 1975 drew about 20,000 people, and attendance has continued to increase, reaching a record 45,000 in 2001. Organizers predict about 50,000 people this year.

The event was canceled in 2002 because of bad weather and in 2003 because of homeland security concerns.

“It’s a fantastic walk,” said Chris Thomas, a Maryland State Police dispatcher who has completed the trek six or seven times. “One year, big ships came in and had a race. It’s wonderful because every year I get to see something different.”

Mrs. Thomas, of Glen Burnie, Md., likes being among the first on the bridge to see the Chesapeake Bay in a state of quiet, pristine beauty.

“Walking instead of driving over the bridge gives you a different appreciation,” she said.

The idea for the walk started when a Boy Scout from Baltimore County asked Gov. Marvin Mandel whether his troop could walk across the bridge while it was closed for construction.

Forecasters are calling for temperatures in the 70s tomorrow with rain and possible thunderstorms in the late afternoon, which could reduce the number of walkers or again cancel the event.

Walkers are asked to check with television or radio stations after 6:30 a.m. to learn whether the event has been canceled, or call 877/229-7726. The event will not be rescheduled.

The walk begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Buses will begin boarding passengers at 8:30 a.m. from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College and the Chesapeake Bay Business Park. The buses will take walkers to the east side of the eastbound span for the 4.4 mile trek back. Cars and trucks will be moved to the westbound span from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Transit officials are asking walkers to carpool and arrive early because the lots reach capacity by 10 a.m. Walkers must pass through security screenings and board the buses no later than 1 p.m.

The buses will also shuttle walkers back to the parking lots. People with disabilities are invited to participate and can use the bus equipped with wheelchair lifts. Nobody is allowed to walk from the Annapolis side of the bridge to the Eastern Shore, then back.

Transit police will be at aid stations along the bridge.

Strollers and small wagons to transport children are permitted, but jogging, running, pets, bikes, portable radios, roller skates and in-line skates are prohibited.