Golden Gate Bridge district officials announced Wednesday that a continuous suicide barrier now extends across both sides of the entire 1.7-mile span. “The suicide deterrent system, also known as the net, has been installed on the east and west sides of approximately 95% of the Bridge. In some areas of the Bridge, due to ongoing construction or design factors [described below], vertical fencing is in place instead of or in addition to the net.” The years-long, $224 million installation project will reach its final conclusion in several years when the contractors complete delayed tasks involving replacement of the bridge’s maintenance traveler system. That work “requires that short sections of the Bridge remain unobstructed to allow access for workers and equipment during construction, and netting cannot be installed in these areas until the traveler work is complete.”
Associated Press reports in depth on Wednesday’s milestone, the barrier’s design, purpose and characteristics, and the overall installation process. The project isn’t without controversy, AP notes. “Critics . . . say a lot of money is being spent on the nets to deter people who are determined to end their lives and who will simply find another method to do it. But supporters of the nets . . . point to studies by Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley that show that most survivors will not try to kill themselves again. They say stopping easy access to lethal means is crucial to preventing suicides.” Bridge district officials agree based on data indicating the barrier has increased deterrence and foiled several attempted suicides. Another controversial issue, the cause of project cost inflation, is the subject of cross litigation brought by the contractors and the bridge district that hasn’t impeded installation progress.
Associated Press also provide video coverage of this story.