Caltrans has studied 11 options for possible suicide barriers for the Coronado Bridge and says a plan is feasible. Caltrans needs to narrow down the design, and in the meantime is looking for funding for bird spikes to be placed along the length of the bridge.
A yearlong feasibility study by Caltrans has determined that a physical suicide deterrent option is suitable for the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
The study is a response to significant community concern about suicides from the bridge.
The San Diego-Coronado Bridge Feasibility Study evaluated 11 alternatives.
Caltrans staff researched options from the U.S. and abroad and considered several factors including regulatory requirements, potential impacts to the environment, cost, keeping maintenance access, and preserving the historic look and features of the bridge.
The feasibility study documented the strengths, weaknesses and impacts of the alternatives and determined a range of estimated costs for each alternative. The study also received and considered community input and comments from Barrio Logan and Coronado residents, regional stakeholders and first responders.
“Caltrans is working with the community towards a suicide deterrent option for the San Diego-Coronado Bridge,” said Caltrans District 11 Interim Director Tim Gubbins. “The study is the first step in a process to prevent, or deter, people from harming themselves or others on the bridge.”
The next steps in the process to create a transportation project to build a permanent suicide prevention barrier is to narrow the options for a permanent barrier, define funding needs and then identify potential funding sources.
Caltrans is pursuing an interim measure that would place bird spikes along the length of the bridge. Bird spikes are typically used to prevent birds from gathering, and in this instance, would be used to create a barrier that could result in enough delay for intervention.
Caltrans staff is working with regulatory agencies for the required environmental and permits required to add the spikes. The spikes would be in place for no more than five years while the process is underway for a permanent suicide deterrent system.
You can read the report and see photos HERE.
Photo Credit: Caltrans