Pasadena Taking Steps to Prevent Suicides on Colorado Street Bridge

Workers diligently work on putting up the suicide gates on the Colorado Street Bridge. – Photo by John Chaides

By Terry Miller

Suicide statistics are staggering in major cities but in Pasadena this year- to date – there have been a total of 21 incidents and 6 deaths on the Colorado Street Bridge, according to William Boyer, PubIic Information Officer for the city of Pasadena.  That computes to one suicide per month at that location alone.

Construction of the iconic structure was complete in 1913 and cost $235,000.

During the 1930’s Great Depression, the Bridge began to “earn” a nickname the city hopes people will never use again. An estimated 79 people leapt off the bridge in the early 1930’s. The City’s Engineers began designing mitigation measures including a 1938 fencing above the concrete barrier.

According to a Public Safety powerpoint presentation, in 1943 more attempts were made with what appeared to be barbed wire fencing.

A sign is posted at the bridge with the suicide hotline. – Photo by John Chaides

According to Boyer, City Manager Steve Mermell decided that Pasadena needed to be proactive  again and install some preventative measures to “stem the tide.”

Some statistics: Over 150 suicides at the Bridge since 1919 -79 of these occurred in the 1930’s During the 30’s the City spent $20,000/year to staff the bridge with a police detail.  In the last decade, 2006 to 2016, 28 people leapt to their death. From 2011 to 2015, Pasadena Police successfully “talked down” 21 would-be jumpers.  Significant increase in rate of incidents in the first half of this year – most attempts originating from the alcoves.

Subsequently, work has begun on installing poles and frames in these alcoves for a “small weave web fencing…” which will hopefully deter future attempts.

Boyer said the city takes this issue very seriously and hopes that the fencing will probably be installed next week.

As a result of the recent uptick in suicides and attempts from the bridge, City Staff has contracted the installation of temporary fencing at the alcove locations on an emergency basis. a. The contractor has already begun installation on site. This fencing will prevent entry to the locations which provide the easiest access over the barrier/railing. Fencing will be located at all 20 alcove locations on the bridge. Again, this fencing is considered a temporary and emergency measure. In appearance, it will be 10 feet tall and constructed with 1” square mesh.

Boyer said that the city understands there may be complaints as to the aesthetics on the iconic bridge but hopes people will appreciate that this is a serious issue facing city leaders and that suicide prevention efforts are critical in this case.

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