New net meant to save lives of suicidal bridge jumpers
The Golden Gate Bridge is among the most photographed bridges in the world, recognized internationally as a majestic symbol of San Francisco, and the United States. But for decades, and for scores of mourning families, the bridge has also become a symbol of pain.
In 2016 alone, 39 people died jumping off the bridge, considered one of the top suicide magnets in the world. Another 184 came to the bridge intending to harm themselves but were stopped.
The deaths have scarred the bridge’s reputation and prompted local officials, lawmakers and families of those who died to call for the construction of barriers to deter people from jumping off the 220-foot-tall bridge.
“At that moment, there’s really no way out,” said Sarah Lockwood Barr, 26, whose childhood friend jumped off the bridge in 2008. “It’s just too easy and too final.”
For about a decade, officials have debated constructing such an obstacle, confronting a question that has been researched and scrutinized around the world: Do barriers to suicide stop people from taking their lives? Or will suicidal people simply find another alternative?
A wealth of studies and findings have supported an optimistic view. And the years-long effort finally culminated Thursday in an official launch of the construction of a $200 million stainless-steel net along the bridge. The suicide deterrent system will span 1.7 miles of roadway on each side and will be located 20 feet down from the sidewalk, extending 20 feet out over the water. It will be built over four years, with an expected completion date in 2021.