Colorado Street Bridge Task Force Community Meeting Maranatha High School 169 S. St. John Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105 February 20 th , 2018 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Why a Task Force? - Recap • On July 19, 2017 , due to a recent and alarming trend, City Staff provided the City’s Public Safety Committee a presentation on the Colorado Bridge; its history relative to suicides, statistics and literature on the subject, how others have dealt with similar issues, and several sample treatments or deterrents. • After which, the City’s Public Works Director assembled a Task Force with Community Members and representatives from the Historic Preservation Community, First Responders (Police and Fire), Public Health, Mental Health, Architects, and Engineers in hopes of developing options that are amenable to all stakeholders and the Community at large. 2
Task Force Recap – Who We Are Ms. Claire Bogaard Pasadena Heritage, Pasadena Resident Mr. Melvyn Green, SE Structural Engineering Consult., Melvyn Green & Assoc. Ms. Sue Mossman Pasadena Heritage, Pasadena Resident Mr. Chris Peck, AIA, PE CM Peck Consulting, Pasadena Resident Ms. Andrea Rawlings Architect, Pasadena Resident Ms. Patricia Speelman, Division Director, Suicide Prevention Center - Didi Hirsch Dr. Ying Ying Goh, MD Health Officer, Pasadena Public Health Detective Darryl Harris Pasadena Police Department Mr. Michael Johnson Director of Public Health, Pasadena Public Health Mr. Ara Maloyan, PE Director of Public Works, Pasadena Public Works Ms. Kris Markarian, PE City Engineer, Pasadena Public Works Mr. Brent Maue, PE Assistant City Engineer, Pasadena Public Works Corporal Brad May Pasadena Police Department Ms. Takako Suzuki City Council District Liaison Deputy Chief Jon Trautwein Pasadena Fire Department 3
Task Force Recap – Mission and Vision MISSION The mission of this Task Force is to engage the community in developing solutions that will deter people from attempting suicide on the Colorado Street Bridge while preserving its national historic character and significance. Vision Allow the community to experience and enjoy the Colorado Street Bridge and the Arroyo as a safe and beautiful environment now and in the future. 4
Task Force Recap – Amended Timeline Oct. 18, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Introduction; Define Mission and Vision Nov. 9, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Create agenda for Community Meeting Nov. 16, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Bridge Site Visit Nov. 29, 2017 Community Meeting – Introduction, Listen, Learn; Solicit ideas from Community Members Dec. 13, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Evaluate ideas expressed at Community Meeting; Begin to define options Jan. 18, 2018 Task Force Meeting – Further refine options Feb, 1, 2018 Task Force Meeting – Determine feasible options to be presented to community for review and comment Feb. 20, 2018 Community Meeting – Present vetted options to community for comment Mar. 2018 Public Safety Committee – Present Alternatives for Committee Tentative Date recommendation to Council Apr. 2018 City Council Meeting – Present Alternatives for Council action Tentative Date 5
Task Force Recap - What are the Problems? With an overall height of 7 feet 6 inches, the existing barrier would appear to be adequate but there are several problem spots. 6
Task Force Recap - What are the Problems? Existing Barrier = Concrete Balustrade + Fencing Existing Combination Provides Footholds for Climbing 3’ – 6” Fence Possible Footholds 4’ Balustrade Footholds reduce effective vertical height to 4 feet easing effort needed to scale barrier. Multiple Peer Reviewed Studies indicate a minimum height with no footholds of 7’ - 6”. Existing Balustrade and Fencing Cross-Section of Ex. Barrier and Fencing 7
Task Force Recap - What are the Problems? Alcoves Seating area, balustrade/concrete rail, and light pedestal combine to provide “steps” to an elevation where jumpers can climb over the fencing. Gaps in the fencing at the light pedestals allow for even easier access. There are 20 alcoves on the bridge – 10 on each side. Alcove on the Colorado Street Bridge 8
Task Force Recap - What are the Problems? Ends/Approaches Potential jumpers can climb to the outside of the barrier at these end points and “walk the ledge ” to greater heights over the Arroyo. Light pedestal and concrete balustrade combination provides climbing ease for jumpers to get over any additional fencing “extension” that may be installed. West Bound Approach – NE Corner of Colorado Street Bridge 9
Task Force Recap - What are the Problems? Ends/Approaches Cont. Once over the barrier, the outside ledge or “Cornice” allows a potential Jumper ease to move along bridge span, creating difficulty for First Responders. • Negotiator setup affected • Firefighter/airbag setup is hindered Ledge or “Cornice” Is 7 inches wide Section Through Cornice Existing Ledge 10
Task Force Recap What’s Been Done : Temporary Measure Alcove Fencing As a result of the recent uptick in suicides and attempts from the bridge, City Staff contracted the installation of temporary fencing at the alcove locations. a. Fencing is 10 feet tall located at all 20 alcoves. b. This fencing prevents entry to the locations which provide the easiest access over the barrier. c. This fencing is a temporary measure until a more permanent solution is identified and implemented. 11
Task Force Recap Temporary Measure: Alcove Fencing 12
Task Force – Prior Community Meeting Oct. 18, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Introduction; Define Mission and Vision Nov. 9, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Create agenda for Community Meeting Nov. 16, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Bridge Site Visit Nov. 29, 2017 Community Meeting – Introduction, Listen, Learn; Solicit ideas from Community Members Dec. 13, 2017 Task Force Meeting – Evaluate ideas expressed at Community Meeting; Begin to define options Jan. 18, 2018 Task Force Meeting – Further refine options Feb, 1, 2018 Task Force Meeting – Determine feasible options to be presented to community for review and comment Feb. 20, 2018 Community Meeting – Present vetted options to community for comment On November 29 th , 2017 the Task Force met with the Community at the La Casita Del Arroyo Mar. 2018 Public Safety Committee – Present Alternatives for Committee to introduce the function of the Task Force, provide background information on the suicide recommendation to Council issue at the Colorado Street Bridge, and listen to the Community’s experiences relative to this issue as well as their ideas for solutions. Apr. 2018 City Council Meeting – Present Alternatives for Council action 13
Prior Community Meeting – Nov. 29 th , 2017 Dr. Ying Ying Goh 14
Prior Community Meeting – Summary of Ideas 15
Physical Measures Partial Vertical Barriers – focus on “weak points” in the 1. existing barrier. − Pros • Literature suggests a significant reduction in suicides • Efforts are focused so potentially less aesthetic/visual impact • Could be installed relatively quickly − Cons • Remaining barrier still relatively easy to circumvent • Less effective than other measures researched • Will affect aesthetics Full Length Vertical Barriers – barriers are installed for 2. the full length of the structure − Pros • Literature suggests most effective measure in suicide reduction • Increase chance of intervention • Most preferred by survivors of suicidal jumps − Cons • May have large aesthetic impact • Design likely to present structural challenges Partial Barrier (Excludes Piers) 16 Clifton Suspension Bridge UK
Physical Measures – Continued…. 3. End Treatments – barriers are installed perpendicular to the bridge to prevent access via the ends or approaches to the bridge − Pros • Reduces a potential jumper’s ability to get out onto the ledge or “cornice” • Could eliminate the need for “cornice” modifications − Cons • Affects bridge aesthetics • If barrier is circumvented, would make return more difficult Existing Temporary End Treatment 17
Physical Measures - Continued…. 4. Ledge Modifications – surface could be modified to create a more difficult walking surface − Pros • Potential jumpers may be deterred from making an attempt if unable to use ledge for access or mobility − Cons • Modification would have an aesthetic impact • If barrier is circumvented, return may be more difficult Existing Outside Bridge Ledge 18
“Post Attempt” Measures 1. Horizontal Barriers – netting could be installed below the bridge deck to catch or otherwise discourage jumpers − Pros • Studies show significant reduction in suicides • Limited effect on views from bridge − Cons • Significant impact on overall aesthetics of bridge • Presents new challenges for First Responders – extraction from netting • Nothing prevents jumpers from completing a second jump 2. Plant Trees – plant trees below the bridge to cushion landing or otherwise discourage jumping attempts − Pros • Positive effect on aesthetics − Cons • Weak evidence of effectiveness – no verifying scientific data • Long time to maturity • Can’t be planted along entire length Rendering of Bridge Netting 19
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