The city of Vancouver will begin the installation of suicide prevention fencing on Burrard Bridge on Thursday.
The $3.5-million addition is part of the continuing $35-million upgrade to the Art Deco-style span.
The barrier’s picket-fence style with strong vertical detail and heritage -style pedestrian lamp posts was designed in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, Heritage Foundation, Heritage Society, Active Transportation Policy Council, Urban Design Panel, Vancouver Coastal Health, B.C. Crisis Centre, the Vancouver Police Department and representatives from the film and television sector.
“We applaud the City of Vancouver for adding the barriers,” Vancouver Coastal Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Emily Newhouse said in a city release. “This new fencing will save lives. The research shows that suicide attempts from bridges are impulsive. Generally, if someone is prevented from jumping off a bridge, they don’t try other means of killing themselves.”
The Burrard Bridge he fence will have a simple picket design with vertical details and heritage-style lamp posts.
The city considered other options, including netting below the bridge and glass barriers, but chose the picket-fence design for several reasons, including:
• The design respects the heritage elements of the bridge more than other options
• The simple design of the fence pickets maximizes views for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle passengers
• The design is constructible and has lower construction and maintenance costs
“This landmark rehabilitation project will enhance the Burrard Bridge’s condition into the future, as well as maintain and enhance its heritage features,” explains Donald Luxton, heritage consultant for the bridge’s rehabilitation.
Burrard Bridge upgrades got underway in March and are expected to wrap up in the spring of 2017.
One of the three northbound lanes is being converted to a bike lane, which will allow the east sidewalk — currently for cyclists only — to be returned to pedestrians.
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