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SAN FRANCISCO — A $66 million San Francisco project that would install giant nets under the entire 1.7-mile span of the Golden Gate Bridge is nearing approval. Why would nets be needed underneath one of the most iconic bridges in the world? The answer is, it could save lives.
In addition to being famous for its scenic views, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most popular spots for suicide jumpers. According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, the tally for 2013 was 46 deaths. More than 1,500 jumpers have died since the bridge opened in 1937.
According to some reports, the Golden Gate is the second most common suicide spot in the world. The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge in China, where 2,000 people have jumped to their deaths since 1968, is number one.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that suicide nets on the Golden Gate have been debated for 40 years. Now it’s close to becoming a reality. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission is willing to cover $44 million of the $66 million project.
It’s the remaining $22 million that’s proving to be the tricky part.
Bridge officials have been asked to cover this amount with toll money. They recently approved a $2 increase in tolls for the next four years, which is expected to raise an extra $138 million. But that money is intended to cover other priorities such as seismic reinforcements and a new median barrier.
One factor playing a big role in this debate is that the public seems to be supportive of the nets. Large fences along the sides of the bridge have also been proposed as a suicide deterrent, but many locals fear they would inhibit the famous bay views from the bridge. So the nets appear to be the least intrusive solution.
Many decision-makers on the bridge board have been vocally supportive of the nets and proponents are optimistic that action will be taken soon. As board member David Campos told the Chronicle, "As far as I'm concerned, (the netting) should have been up yesterday.”
Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com team as a contributor in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.
