Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena gets temporary fencing to prevent suicide attempts

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Pasadena will begin placing additional, but temporary, barriers to help stop suicide attempts from the Colorado Street Bridge.

The Pasadena Star said new fencing will be put up on both sides of the bridge, across the entire span.

Over a year ago, Pasadena installed a chain-link fence around alcoves on the bridge to prevent people from jumping.

The city will install more temporary fencing across the entire span over the next few days, part of an emergency order from the city manager in reaction to the ongoing problem.

City officials hope more fencing will deter more jump attempts. It has even formed an official task force to address the problem, as they also need to consider the historic status and architectural significance of the bridge.

While there is no specific design plan, the city council voted earlier this year saying any permanent barrier needs to be at least 7 feet, 6 inches tall.

In the months ahead, the city is expected to receive construction bids for long-term solutions.

The city is budgeting anywhere from $2 to $2.5 million to better secure the bridge.

In 2017, police were called to the bridge at least 10 times because of potential suicide attempts.

Four people have died this year from jumping off the bridge.

If you need someone to talk to about suicide, you can find several helpful resources here at the website for California mental health resources.