A barrier worth up to $100 million could soon be installed on the Coronado Bridge to prevent suicide incidents from happening.
This is an idea that has been discussed for over five decades ago already, as hundreds of suicide deaths have already taken place at this bridge over many years.
Caltrans deputy district director Stefan Galvez-Abadia says that they will look into the community's input on the matter, along with stakeholders as well.
"We will not make a decision until the comment period, again Caltrans looks at community input and stakeholders," stated the acting Caltrans deputy district director, Stefan Galvez-Abadia.
According to officials, there are multiple options for barriers, but a net is believed to be the most environmental-friendly barrier option as of now. The net would stand somewhere between 8 to 10 feet tall, connected to the concrete walls of the historic Coronado Bridge.
"That vertical net seems to have the least impact on environmental, as well as minimizes challenges on other perspectives," said Galvez-Abadia. "We heard the call of the community, our original plan is to try to address this issue in the most expedient matter," said Galvez-Abadia.
The full-plan is expected to be ready to go by June of this year, with the net barrier expected to be completely-built by the year 2026.
Since the opening of the famous and historic Coronado Bridge, up to 400 suicide deaths have been reported at the Coronado Bridge, along with numerous amount of attempted suicide attempts, which almost always leads to local authorities to force closure on both ends of the bridge.
And while this plan aims at reducing the number of suicide attempts at this location, psychologists such as Dr. Vangie Akridge believe that the city should push for more interventions and other strategies to reduce the suicidal thoughts on people before even pondering the thought of looking for a location to end their life short.
"While I can appreciate that there are efforts being made to decrease the number of people that end their lives in that manner…" Psychologist Dr. Vangie Akridge stated. "I would like to urge the city to think about…implementing interventions and strategies that can stop people from seeking out a location for their final moments," Dr. Akridge added.
A public meeting on the matter will be held on February 10.
