City installing $3M suicide-prevention barriers on High Level Bridge

The city has begun to install safety barriers on the High Level Bridge, in an attempt to make it more difficult for people to jump off.

City council approved the $3-million projectlast year.

"I think it's a very positive step for our community," said Coun. Bev Esslinger."We all know someone who's been affected by suicide."

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The barriers are made from stainless-steel mesh and high-tension wires. Esslinger said councillors were convinced during a hearing last December, where they saw researchthat suggested other cities saw a drop in suicide rates after building similar barriers.

"We know that barriers are one method of causing a pause," she said. "Moving forward, we know that that's going to really be a deterrent and, we hope, save lives."

DanKlemke saidhe's "thrilled' to hear the barriers aregoingup in 2013, his wife committed suicide from the bridge. Since then, he has pushed city council to make it more difficult to jump.

"I can't sit back and see something that needs to be done and ignore it," he said.

"The people who are in the moment ... I think there's a good chance this will save a few of them."

The city also installed emergency telephone boxes on both ends of the bridge in an attempt to reduce suicides.

Work began Tuesday, andEsslinger said the barriers will likely be complete by next summer.