OCEAN CITY, Md.- People who visit the Ocean City boardwalk this summer may notice a new addition at entry points, as permanent barriers are being installed. Bollards, or large pipes, have been installed at locations like Fourth Street.
Visitors like Larry Bridge from Baltimore said the barriers make him feel safer and will help protect the boardwalk from potential vehicle-ramming attacks.
"You have a family scenario, great target for those people who want to do a lot of destruction and get notoriety from it. This is a great way to offset that problem," said Bridge.
City Engineer Terry McGean said the bollards will receive decorative covers.
McGean said barriers will be installed at 26 locations along the boardwalk. Some locations will get bollards, and others will get gates. Two gates will be installed at the inlet lot.
Visitors like Matthew Astromovich question how effective the barriers will be in preventing a potential attack and wonder if the price tag is worth it.
"If someone has the mindset to come onto the boardwalk with a vehicle and hurt somebody, then they would find other ways to hurt people," said Astromovich.
However, others like Sharon Etter said any action to improve safety should be taken.
"If that's going to keep us safe, I don't think you can put a price tag on it, someone's safety," said Etter.
The goal is to have the project complete by Memorial Day Weekend.
