Department of Public Works Colorado Street Bridge – Suicide Mitigation Enhancements Project Historic Preservation Commission November 19, 2019
Project Background Department of Public Works • Concept of installing a suicide deterrent system on the Colorado Street Bridge has been explored at various intervals over the last several decades • In recent years, number of suicides off the bridge have dramatically increased • June 2017 – Temporary 10-foot tall fencing installed around the bench alcoves • September 2018 – Temporary fencing extended along entire length and on both sides of the bridge 2
Project Background (cont’d) Department of Public Works • Fall 2017 - Colorado Street Bridge Task Force formed, assessing various permanent deterrent measures based on stakeholder and community input • On April 23, 2018, the City Council unanimously approved the Task Force recommendation to deter suicide attempts on the Colorado Street Bridge through the implementation of a vertical barrier system; and, directed staff to further study and return to Council with a proposed project and appropriate environmental review. 3
Project Goal Department of Public Works • To seek a responsibly designed permanent barrier as an effective deterrent, while preserving the bridge’s national historic character and significance • To allow the community to experience and enjoy the Colorado Street Bridge, as well as the Arroyo as a safe and beautiful environment. 4
Project Scope Department of Public Works On May 20, 2019, City Council authorized City Manager to enter into a contract with Donald MacDonald Architects for environmental and design services, including: • Preliminary engineering and development of alternative designs for a vertical barrier • Preparation of project-level environmental reports • Conceptual design development of a preferred vertical barrier • Construction plans and specifications to be prepared after a conceptual design is approved by City Council 5
Project Site Department of Public Works Proposed Project Location 6
Task Force Recommendations Department of Public Works Design and Install: • Full Length Vertical Barriers • Minimum height above highest toehold of 7’-6” • Extend both sides of the bridge for its entire length • End Treatments • Deter a person’s ability to walk the outside ledge to a location where a jump would cause serious injury or death • Complimentary Measures • Work in concert with the measures above to mitigate suicides and suicide attempts from the bridge to the greatest extent possible 7
Community Kick-Off Meeting Department of Public Works • September 26, 2019 • Goals: • Present the project scope and schedule for the design of a vertical barrier system • Solicit comments and public input on potential mitigation alternatives 8
Second Community Meeting Department of Public Works • October 29, 2019 • Goals: • Summarize the community’s comments and ideas from the September 26, 2019 community meeting • Present guiding principals and concepts for the design of a vertical barrier • Solicit community’s feedback on presented design concepts 9
Guiding Principals of Design Department of Public Works
Guiding Principal - Effectiveness Department of Public Works
Guiding Principal - Effectiveness Department of Public Works
Guiding Principal - Effectiveness Department of Public Works
Guiding Principal – Historic and Character Defining Features Department of Public Works
Guiding Principal – Bridge Aesthetics Department of Public Works
Concept Study Department of Public Works
Concept Study Department of Public Works
Concept Study Department of Public Works
Concept Study Department of Public Works
Bridge End Treatment Department of Public Works
Bridge End Treatment Department of Public Works
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Mesh Department of Public Works A2 Open Vertical Frame Flexible Mesh 22
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Mesh Ver 2 Department of Public Works Intermediate Supports 23
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Mesh Department of Public Works A2 Open Vertical Frame Flexible Mesh 24
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Mesh Department of Public Works A2 Open Vertical Frame Flexible Mesh 25
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Mesh Department of Public Works 26
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Pickets Department of Public Works A2 Open Rods/Pickets 27
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Pickets Department of Public Works A2 Open Rods/Pickets 28
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Pickets Department of Public Works A2 Open Rods/Pickets 29
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment A2 Pickets Department of Public Works 30
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment B2 Mesh Department of Public Works B2 Open Curved Frame w/ Intermediate Post Rigid Mesh 31
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment B2 Mesh Department of Public Works B2 Open Curved Frame w/ Intermediate Post Rigid Mesh 32
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment B2 Mesh Department of Public Works B2 Open Curved Frame w/ Intermediate Post Rigid Mesh 33
Secretary of Interior Standards – Assessment B2 Mesh Department of Public Works 34
Department of Public Works
Comparative Heights of the Options Department of Public Works 36
Top of Barrier and Lights Department of Public Works 37
Comparative Table Department of Public Works 38
Community Consensus Department of Public Works • Keep all alcoves open • Position the barrier on top of the existing balustrade • Position the barrier on the bridge side of the lamp poles to increase effectiveness • Keep the existing lamps but modify the height to maintain visibility on the bridge 39
Pros and Cons Department of Public Works • A2 – flex-mesh - effective, fewer vertical posts better, contingent on finding an acceptable flexible mesh pattern that prevents toe holds but doesn’t look institutional, and maximizes transparency. • A2 – rigid-mesh - effective, additional vertical posts less appealing, contingent on finding an acceptable rigid mesh pattern that prevents toe holds but doesn’t look institutional, and maximizes transparency, fewer vertical posts at alcoves a positive. • A2 – rods - less effective because of introduction of horizontal toe holds, more traditional look appealing to some, vertical rods present limited transparency looking down the bridge. • B2 – mesh – most effective, decorative look appealing to some, contingent on finding an acceptable flexible mesh pattern. 40
Current Project Schedule Department of Public Works • Historic Preservation Commission November 19, 2019 • Design Commission November 26, 2019 • Public Safety Committee December 18, 2019 • City Council Early 2020 • 100% Plans, Specs & Estimate July 2020 41
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