The Blotter

The Times' criminal justice team looks behind the scenes and behind the headlines.

February 15, 2011 at 9:03 PM

Construction of Aurora Bridge suicide barrier completed

Crews have completed all but minor work on a barrier fence on the Aurora Bridge this week, built to deter people from jumping off the bridge.

More than 230 people have leapt to their deaths from the bridge, officially called the George Washington Memorial Bridge, since it was built in 1932.

Construction of the 8-foot, 9-inch-tall safety fence started in the fall and cost $5 million, according to a state Department of Transportation news release. The Legislature’s 2009-2011 transportation budget included $3.6 million to build the fence.

The bridge spans 2,945 feet, connecting Fremont to Queen Anne. More than two-thirds of the bridge stands over land, according to the news release.

A group of people who live and work in Fremont lobbied for the fence’s construction, which was supported by the city of Seattle, King County and the state Legislature.

Information from The Seattle Times’ archives was included in this report.

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