Safety Fences Coming To George Washington Bridge Walkways

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Measures to prevent suicides on the George Washington Bridge will kick off this month starting with the installation of a temporary fence on one of the bridge's walkways, officials from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

On Sept. 25 Port Authority workers will begin installing an 11-foot-tall temporary fence on the south sidewalk of the George Washington Bridge, Port Authority officials said in a statement. The safety upgrades are part of the Port Authority's $1.9 billion "Restore the George" plan, officials said. The temporary fence is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The bridge's north sidewalk — which is usually closed to the public — will be opened to pedestrians and cyclists during the fence construction. After the temporary fence is complete, the Port Authority will install a permanent safety fence on the north side and then finish the project off with a permanent fence for the south sidewalk.

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The George Washington Bridge has one of the worst suicide problems in the United States. Eighteen people jumped to their death from the bridge in 2015, and 12 people jumped to their death in 2016. Port Authority police have intervened in 45 situations this year where an emotionally disturbed person considered self-harm or suicide on the bridge, officials said in a statement.

The restoration plan also includes replacing the bridge's original 592 suspension ropes.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images News/Getty Images