Occupy Marchers Sidestep Bel Air, Plan Stop In Havre de Grace

While members of the Occupy movement were at first planning to travel through Bel Air on a march from New York to Washington, DC, those plans changed today.

Those marching from New York to Washington, DC, in the Occupy movement are likely to face their largest hurdle to date late Thursday—the Susquehanna River. The Hatem Bridge, which carries U.S. Route 40 over the mile-wide river, is closed to pedestrian traffic.

The Cecil Whig reported Thursday afternoon that the "Perryville Police Department has said that they will arrange a way for the protesters to get across the Hatem Bridge to Havre de Grace."

According to Havre de Grace officials who have spoken with those marching south from New York, a group is expected to reach the Hatem Bridge around 8 p.m. Thursday. A website dedicated to the marchers confirmed a route change after the initial plan called for a stop in Bel Air. After Havre de Grace, they will continue down Route 40, with a planned Friday night stop in Joppatowne.

Those on foot would encounter a 10 p.m. curfew in Havre de Grace, meaning parks and public property would be unavailable for a camp site, although officials were discussing Thursday afternoon some alternative options for the marchers.

"We are trying to figure out the best way to safely accommodate those in the movement," Havre de Grace police spokesman  told Patch.

Patch has left a message with a member of the group marching through Cecil County.

Stay with Patch for updates.