CALIFORNIA: Suicide Prevention Spikes Will Be Installed on Coronado Bridge, Where More than 400 Have Taken Their Lives

July 13, 2018

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News
Speaker:  California

Los Angeles Times

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is taking new measures to prevent suicide at the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Following a one-year investigation of prevention options, Caltrans has announced that it will install small spikes on the walls of the bridge within the next year. The spikes will serve as a temporary deterrent while Caltrans pursues a permanent barrier, such as mesh fences or glass panels. The transportation department now plans to narrow down its barrier options, estimate costs, and identify funding sources. “For many years, suicide has been a very taboo topic but we’ve finally made it through the threshold of having an open, honest conversation about it,” said Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey. “Now we have leaders on both sides of the bridge stepping forward and saying, ‘We need to do something.’”

Spark Extra! Learn more about reducing access to means of suicide.