Last year, 46 people died by jumping off the bridge; the total is more than 1,400.
The net system was chosen as the preferred solution in 2010 and HNTB was appointed in 2011 to carry out the final design. The cost estimate of the project has risen as design has progressed and identified the extent of modifications needed to the bridge. The previous estimate of US$66 million was based on the 60% completed plans and specifications. In February this year, the design reached 95% completion and confirmed the scope of structural modifications needed to existing bridge elements.
In particular, construction of the project will necessitate the complete replacement of the rolling scaffolds that are used for maintenance and inspection, as the scheme would prevent the existing system from moving along the bridge. Additional structural modifications to the existing bridge elements are also required for compliance with current design codes and to provide supports for the charging stations associated with the battery-powered scaffold propulsion system.
The construction of the suicide-prevention system will be combined with a separate but related US$8 million wind retrofit project.
