New Humber Bridge fence to stop suicide bids
A pedestrian safety fence is to be built across the Humber Bridge in a bid to save lives.
The board has announced it will be replacing the existing low level railings along the bridge with a much higher parapet, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and discourage suicide attempts.
The scheme, which could cost up to £4.5m, follows a successful trial of a 328ft (100m) section of fence along the bridge.
It is thought that about 90 people have deliberately ended their lives by jumping from the bridge over the past 26 years.
There have been a total 200 incidents, which also includes those falling off.
Only five people are known to have survived falling or jumping off the bridge.
Peter Hill, the Humber Bridge Board's general manager, said the project is the first of its kind ever attempted on a bridge of the Humber's scale or design.
He said: "Ten years ago we couldn't have attempted a safety project of this type without compromising the structural integrity of the bridge.
"Through modern advances in modelling, manufacturing and wind tunnel testing we have now found a solution that will make the bridge safer for everyone."
The project will see more than six km of low maintenance 2.3metre high, inward slanting, hollow aluminium sections placed at the sides of the bridge at all high level approaches and bridge structures.
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by The Emperor, Hull
Tuesday, December 29 2009, 7:07PM
“If someone wants to die, why can't they? A struck-off medic should be paid £200 per head to give them a quick 100mg injection of diamorphine. No excyuse to jump off the bridge then. Why are people so willing to put down sick pets, but not willing to do the same for people?”
by Chubbs, Gold Coast Oz
Sunday, December 27 2009, 10:09PM
“Why not spend the money on finding out why people wish to end their lives and improve their lifestyles??? By the way, if the fencing contract is going out to tender I would love to price it then I could retire .”
by EastSideRightSideOfTheRiver, East Hull
Sunday, December 27 2009, 6:57PM
“W.A.W.O.M. work that one out if you can Humber Bridge Board. It's as easy as working out the fact that this will not stop people from taking their own lives. Unfortunately they may put other peoples lives in danger when they have no other option I'm sorry to say.”
by In The Know, Barton
Sunday, December 27 2009, 12:55PM
“Jamie, Hull - the people who 'run' (supposedly manage) the Humber Bridge are far from intelligent - in fact most people would be astounded as to how incredibly stupid they actually are. Add to this the actual "board" themselves - leaches like Kim "Money Money Money" Ryley & Dave Gemmel "OBE" (oh, socialism is such a wonderful thing!) then you work out just why the place is haemorraging money at such a rate. All the HBB management team are interested in is how little time they can spend at "work"!”
by Alf Hart, Hull
Sunday, December 27 2009, 11:14AM
“First people will top themselves if they are really determined. For a person to be at their wits end is terrible, they need help.
Secondly has anyone calculated the drag factor of this fence with the very high winds and what effect would it have on the existing structure?”