Caltrans has completed the environmental impact report for the proposed suicide barrier on the Cold Spring Bridge on State Route 154, according to a press release from the state. Members of the public can review the document at the Santa Barbara County libraries in Santa Barbara, Solvang, Goleta, and Montecito.
The project proposes constructing a barrier on the bridge to reduce the number of people who jump from the structure. Since the bridge was built in 1963, 47 people have committed suicide there, with 33 deaths occurring in the last 25 years, according to the release.
Caltrans, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Glendon Association, and local elected officials support the project, which is designed to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Construction on the barrier is expected to begin in summer 2010.
To view the Cold Spring Bridge environmental impact report, visit the Caltrans website at dot.ca.gov and click on District 5 developments, or call the district at 549-3318.
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This article appears in Jul 16-23, 2009.
