Alternatives

In considering potential alternatives for a physical suicide deterrent system, the District had to address the potential effects of physical changes to the Bridge, particularly with regard to the impacts of high winds on the strucuture.

Because long span suspension bridges respond dynamically to wind, the District undertook a wind tunnel investigation of potential alternatives to ensure that any potential physical suicide barrier would not negatively impact the aerodynamic stability of the Bridge.

 Wind tunnel testing showed that:

• A physical suicide barrier will not adversely impact the wind stability of the Bridge.

• A physical suicide barrier and a moveable median barrier can both be added to the Bridge without adversely impacting the wind stability of the Bridge.

In addition to wind tunnel testing, the alternative screening process evaluated the Build Alternatives for their ability to meet the project’s purpose and the District Board of Directors’s adopted criteria.

All of the Build Alternatives being considered would impede the ability of individuals to jump from the Bridge, and generally satisfy all of the District Board of Directors’s adopted criteria.

Additionally, each Build Alternative has been developed to maintain the symmetry of the Bridge. The outside handrail posts, light posts, suspender ropes and belvederes would all reamin at the their current locations. The Build Alternatives would all be constructed of steel that would be painted International Orange to match the color and material of the Bridge.

Click here to view a list of the proposed alternatives evaluated in the Draft EIR/EA.

For detailed information about the alternatives, click here to view the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Assessment.