Suicide prevention groups push for temporary fencing to become permanent on U of M bridge
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Every day, University of Minnesota students walk and bike across the Washington Avenue bridge, between the East and West Bank campuses. As they cross high above the Mississippi, cars and light rail trains move on the level below.
Supporters says new temporary high fencing on the bridge will save lives after recent incidents sparked concerns. The fencing blocks access to railings, spanning the length of the bridge on either side. It’s been sought for months by suicide prevention advocacy groups in the wake of tragedies at the bridge.
Students also had been advocating for it.
“It’s a very high traffic area, and for both students and the community, it’s a really big part of how we commute,” said student government member, Jacob Richter. He works with a group of students focused on campus safety. “So, ensuring that the bridge is safer for everyone, especially those who are experiencing mental health challenges.”
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At the end of November, the University of Minnesota installed the $75,000 fencing — something the university says is only a temporary measure.
Erich Mische is the CEO of Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, or SAVE. The organization is one of those advocates calling for fencing. Mische says physical barriers are proven to be more effective than signage.
“The individual who may be going from suicidal ideation to actively trying to die by suicide, it interrupts that act by making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to complete it because they simply can’t get past that physical barrier,” Mische said.
The fencing will also allow for those passing by, and campus security, to intervene and provide assistance.
The bridge is owned by Hennepin County. The University, Mische and other advocates have been in discussion with the county for more permanent solutions.
“There has to be another element added to that by Hennepin County, and they are the only ones who can do it, because they own this particular structure,” Mische said.
According to a spokesperson for Hennepin County, the county board has directed staff to seek state funding to make further safety improvements, such as permanent fencing. And Mische says beyond fencing, there are other ways to improve safety on bridges.
“It could be something like they’ve done in Cornell University, where instead of having a physical barrier, they’ve installed nets, which have proven themselves to be highly successful,” Mische said.
In a statement, University Services Vice President Alice Roberts-Davis said, “We all understand the importance of safety on the bridge, and we will continue to explore how we can work together to fund and implement long-term solutions.”
Richter says the student body would like to see those long-term solutions put in place as soon as possible.
“Student mental health continues to struggle in the current political climate, and with students’ finals and exam dates approaching, it’s just a more sensitive time,” Richter said.
Despite the fencing being temporary, advocates are still satisfied with the installation.
“That physical barrier is what you need to have to interrupt that act and make sure that we give that person every opportunity to stay alive,” Mische said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know trained help is available. Call or text 988 to get connected with a counselor or visit 988lifeline.org to start a chat.
