A $140 million project to add suicide-prevention barriers to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge is moving closer to construction. The California Coastal Commission is expected to review the permit needed for the project, according to NBC San Diego.
The bridge has been one of the nation’s deadliest locations for suicide since it opened in 1969. About 400 deaths by suicide have been documented there, according to a Caltrans public review meeting cited by NBC San Diego.
The project would add a vertical steel mesh or net-style barrier along the bridge’s existing railings. Caltrans expects construction to begin later this year and finish in late 2028.
What The Barrier Would Do
The planned deterrent would rise about 8 to 10 feet above the current bridge rails. Its goal is simple: make it much harder for someone in crisis to jump.
Officials also want to protect the bridge’s well-known views of San Diego Bay. The design uses vertical mesh instead of a solid wall, so drivers can still see through much of the structure.
The project includes more than the barrier itself. Plans also call for added maintenance walkways below the bridge deck and upgraded security cameras.
Survivor Says The Barrier Could Save Lives
Steve Bouchard, a suicide-prevention advocate who survived a jump from the bridge in 1987, called the project a long time coming. He told NBC San Diego that a barrier could stop impulsive acts and give people more time to get help.
Bouchard said he believes a barrier would have stopped him nearly four decades ago. Since then, he has spoken publicly about suicide prevention and urged people in crisis to pause and reach out.
His message reflects a core idea behind physical barriers. When access to a highly lethal location is delayed or blocked, people can survive the crisis and connect with help.
Changes Around The Bridge
The proposal also includes work beneath and near the bridge. Caltrans has proposed new substructure walkways so crews can inspect and maintain the barrier with less disruption to traffic.
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