Installation of Suicide Prevention Nets on Coronado Bridge

The Coronado Bridge now features new suicide prevention nets, signaling a commitment to mental health and public safety.

News Summary

Caltrans has unveiled plans to install suicide prevention nets across the Coronado Bridge, a $140 million project set to enhance safety and mental health awareness. This initiative is in response to the alarming number of fatalities since the bridge’s opening, marking a crucial step in addressing the mental health crisis affecting the community. The nets will span the entire length of the bridge and are designed to maintain its aesthetic appeal. This project has received community support as a symbol of hope and commitment to saving lives.

Coronado, California – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced plans to install suicide prevention nets across the Coronado Bridge in a project expected to cost $140 million and be completed by 2028. This initiative comes after more than 500 people have jumped to their deaths from the bridge since its construction in 1969, an average of 15 fatalities each year.

The new nets will span the entire two-mile length of the bridge and extend seven feet beyond the existing railings. Designed to be transparent, the nets aim to complement the aesthetic appeal of the structure while providing a crucial physical barrier to prevent suicides. This project has garnered support from various community members who view it as a vital commitment to mental health awareness and public safety.

Coronado Council Member Kelly Purvis has emphasized that the installation of these nets will not only act as a protective measure but will also serve as a symbol of hope for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. In her view, these nets will provide valuable time for those in distress to seek help rather than make irreversible decisions.

Concerns surrounding this topic have been fueled by the recent death of a Patrick Henry High School student, highlighting the ongoing mental health crisis that many face. Members of the community have been advocating for enhanced safety measures on the bridge for over a decade, reflecting a growing awareness of mental health issues.

This initiative follows earlier calls for improved safety features, initiated by Senator Ben Hueso in 2016. The Coronado Bridge currently ranks as the second most frequented site for suicides in the United States, following San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, underscoring the urgency for such preventative measures.

A significant portion of the project costs, approximately $90 million, has already been secured, marking progress towards the full funding needed to commence the work. Despite initial concerns over maintaining the bridge’s aesthetics, Caltrans has committed to a design that prioritizes both safety and the visual appeal of the structure.

Supporters of the nets point to past unsuccessful prevention measures, such as spikes, which did not yield the desired outcomes. This reinforces the need for more effective interventions. In addition to the installation of nets, a memorial is planned in Tidelands Park to honor those lost to suicide from the bridge, further indicating a community effort to address the mental health crisis.

Community members have underscored the importance of acknowledging the value of every life, as reflected by local residents Monika and William Escobar. Their sentiments emphasize that life is precious and that even small gestures, such as implementing safety measures, can significantly impact reducing suicide rates.

As the project progresses, it seeks to balance the demand for safety with the community’s desire to preserve the bridge’s beauty. Individuals struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide are encouraged to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255) for those who need immediate assistance.