Since it opened in 1937, over 1,600 people have committed suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. There has long been a debate over whether to build a physical suicide deterrent on the structure. The state budget, recently signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, includes $7 million toward such a barrier, estimated to cost $75 million. On Friday, bridge officials will vote on whether or not to approve a final $20 million, which will mean the project can move forward. We’ll discuss the proposed barrier and its funding. Will a net prevent suicides at the iconic bridge?
Proposed Suicide Barrier (rendering provided by the Golden Gate Bridge District)