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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Golden Gate Guardians Study Suicide Barriers

But agency doesn't have the tens of millions the fixes would cost

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(Newser) – The Golden Gate Bridge is an increasingly popular spot for suicides, but officials are divided over erecting unsightly barriers that might have discouraged the 35 who killed themselves there last year. The Los Angeles Times reports the agency that maintains the bridge is now studying five designs but doesn't have the $25 million to $50 million they would cost. Options include adding nets and raising the existing pedestrian barrier from 4 to 12 feet.

"How many more families have to grieve before these people finally do something?" said David Hull, whose daughter committed suicide on the bridge in 2003. "They've been talking about this barrier for the last 70 years and they have taken no action. How long can the talking and the mulling go on?"

The Golden Gate Bridge. Proposed suicide barriers to prevent up to 35 suicides a year would alter the look of the bridge and cost $50M.
The Golden Gate Bridge. Proposed suicide barriers to prevent up to 35 suicides a year would alter the look of the bridge and cost $50M.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
The Golden Gate Bridge. Proposed suicide barriers to prevent up to 35 suicides a year would alter the look of the bridge and cost $50M.
The Golden Gate Bridge. Proposed suicide barriers to prevent up to 35 suicides a year would alter the look of the bridge and cost $50M.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
The Golden Gate Bridge is an increasingly popular spot for suicides. Officials are divided over erecting controversial barriers that would deter jumpers.
The Golden Gate Bridge is an increasingly popular spot for suicides. Officials are divided over erecting controversial barriers that would deter jumpers.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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