The Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District has appointed JV contractor Shimmick Construction Company/Danny's Construction Company to fabricate and install a system of nets across the length of the landmark bridge in an attempt to deter suicides.
But the bridge owner has had to raise additional funds to cover the cost of the work after the bids - which were first submitted in July this year after being invited in October 2015 - came in much higher than the intial estimates of US$84 million. Shimmick/Danny's bid US$142 million while American Bridge Company bid US$174 million for the work, which could take four years to complete. Both bidders were asked to grant a ninety day extension to the validity of their bids so that GGBHTD could put together an additional funding package to cover the cost. A total of US$204 million has now been set aside for the whole project.
The contract involves construction of a horizontal stainless steel net supported by cantilevered steel brackets along the west and east sides of four Golden Gate Bridge structures: the south approach viaduct, the Fort Point Arch, the suspension bridge, and the north approach viaduct; construction of a tall vertical railing at the north anchorage housing; replacement of the suspension bridge maintenance travellers; and construction of the suspension bridge wind retrofit along the west side of the main span.
