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Looking southwest over the Aurora Bridge, which is 2,945 feet long, 70 feet wide and 167 feet above Lake Union (about the height of a 15-story building). 
Looking southeast over the Aurora Bridge, which links the Queen Anne and Fremont neighborhoods of Seattle.
Project Facts
- On average, someone attempts suicide by jumping from the Aurora Bridge every three months. In 2006, nine people jumped from the bridge to their deaths. This tied 1972 as the worst year on record for suicides from the bridge.
- A community non-profit, Seattle Friends, is working to eliminate suicides from the Aurora Bridge.
- The Aurora Bridge was built in 1931 and is officially named the George Washington Memorial Bridge. The Aurora Bridge has been the site of more than 50 suicides since 1995.
July 2008
- The Washington State Legislature approved design funding for the Aurora Bridge fence project in the 2008 legislative session.
- Design work is under way on the fence, with construction starting in spring 2010.
- We are also considering adding pedestrian lighting to the bridge.
- View the conceptual design report (pdf 3,338 kb) that resulted from the public workshop, design charette and open house held earlier this year.
Why is WSDOT
designing a fence for the Aurora Bridge?
A recent increase in the number of suicide attempts from the bridge and comments from people who live and work in the densely populated area compelled the City of Seattle, King County, WSDOT and community members to take action.
The aftermath of these suicides affects more people than just those who commit or attempt suicide and their families. They significantly affect people who live and work below the bridge. These people must experience the aftermath of suicides and suicide attempts. Emergency response staff also put themselves at risk attempting to rescue people in this hazardous waterway.
The End Result
A fence along the outer railing of the bridge will prevent people from falling or jumping off of the bridge.
Project Benefits
Safety: A fence will help prevent people from jumping or falling from the Aurora Bridge. In addition, a fence will help protect those who live, work and play below the bridge. These people are at risk of physical harm when someone jumps or falls from the bridge and are often traumatized by this experience.
We also want to enhance safety for emergency responders, for example, those who must make emergency dives into the murky and debris-filled waters of the Ship Canal to attempt to save people who jump from the Aurora Bridge.
What is the project timeline?
- December 18, 2006: Suicide prevention signs and phones were installed on the Aurora Bridge.
- 2007: We developed and submit cost estimates for a suicide prevention fence for consideration in the 2008 session of the Washington State Legislature.
- March 2008: The state Legislature approved $1.5 million in design funding.
- Spring 2008: start of project design.
- Fall 2009: project advertisement and award
- March 2010: potential start of construction
Public Involvement
We will work with communities on both sides of the bridge as we develop the project design. WSDOT and City of Seattle staff are available to respond to questions and listen to ideas and concerns.
E-mail updates are available about this and other projects on State Route 99 and I-5 in Seattle and Shoreline. To receive updates on this topic, sign up for the "I-5 Seattle and Shoreline Projects" list.
To schedule a speaker to visit your neighborhood, business or other group, please contact Greg Phipps at 206-440-4702.
We will involve the community in decision-making and will comply with legal requirements for public involvement, including required public outreach and hearings.
Environmental Protection
Environmental documentation was not required for the city to install suicide prevention signs and telephones on the bridge.
Fencing, will likely require environmental research and documentation before they can be implemented.
Built in 1931, the Aurora Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fencing to prevent suicides from the Aurora Bridge would need to comply with federal and state historic preservation laws.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
An average of four to five people jump from the Aurora Bridge each year. People who live and work below the bridge and at recovery sites must witness the gruesome aftermath and also the risk of personal injury due to someone jumping or falling from the bridge. First responders put themselves at considerable risk when attempting water rescues. A fence will reduce the likelihood of people jumping or falling from the from the bridge.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- Existing funds - $1.5 milliion
- Total funding available from all sources - $1.5 million
I
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Greg Phipps
WSDOT Communications
15700 Dayton Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98133-5910
Phone: 206-440-4702
City of Seattle Dept. of Transportation
Phone: 206-684-8540
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