Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

• Why is the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District (District) conducting the Golden Gate Bridge Physical Suicide Deterrent System Project (Project)?
  The Project is being conducted to develop and evaluate alternatives for a potential physical suicide deterrent system. Please visit the Project Overview and Engineering & Environmental sections to learn more about the two-phase Project.

• What is a physical suicide deterrent system?
  A physical suicide deterrent system would provide a physical barrier to impede the ability of an individual to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge, without compromising the other established Project Criteria. It could take the form of a horizontal net, something added to the existing railing, or the replacement of the existing railing with taller railing.  

• Has the District looked at other measures to deter people from jumping off of the Bridge?
  The District has developed a number of non-physical measures that successfully deter a significant number of people from committing suicide at the Bridge. Through the use of these measures, currently approximately 70 percent of suicide attempts are prevented. These non-physical measures include:
  1) 11 emergency/crisis counseling telephones are located on the sidewalks that can connect people to trained suicide prevention counselors.
  2) Bicycle patrols, motor patrols, and Bridge workers are all trained to detect persons exhibiting suicidal behaviors.
  3) The traveling public also assists in reporting activity though the use of cell phones.  

• What are the opportunities for the public to comment on this proposed system?
  The official comment period for the Project's DEIR/EA ended on August 25, 2008. Comments may still be submitted on the Project to suicidebarrier@goldengate.org. Comments submitted after the official close of comments will not become part of the Final EIR/EA. We encourage you to sign up to receive periodic email updates about the Project’s progress.

• Has the District previously evaluated physical suicide deterrent systems?
  Yes, the District has previously evaluated physical suicide deterrent systems and the District website contains extensive information on previous evaluations and studies.   

• How long will the Project take?
  It is currently anticipated that the Project will be completed in mid 2009.  

• How is the Project being funded?
  On March 11, 2005, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Board of Directors authorized the engineering and environmental analysis for the Project be conducted without the use of Golden Gate Bridge toll dollars. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission passed a resolution providing $1,850,000 toward the Project. In addition, the City and County of San Francisco provided $100,000; the County of Marin provided $25,000; and public and private citizen groups provided $28,700.

• How will a Physical Suicide Barrier be funded?
  The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Board of Directors has set a policy that a physical suicide barrier will not be built using Golden Gate Bridge toll dollars. The construction will have to be funded with a combination of potential state or federal grant funds and public donations.