New Fencing to Save Lives on Sunshine Skyway Bridge is Almost Complete

New Fencing to Save Lives on Sunshine Skyway Bridge is Almost Complete

As you drive over The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, you’ll notice it… The fencing is 11 feet tall, difficult to climb, and spans over a mile and a half on both sides of the bridge. 

The Florida Highway Patrol says it is an opportunity to essentially save more lives. As It may prevent people from even thinking about the idea of coming up to the bridge," if they are upset and distraught.

Also, the fencing may provide critical seconds for first responders, allowing them to get to the scene to prevent a tragedy.

The bridge has been the site of more than 250 suicide deaths since its opening in 1987.

In 1999, the late Barbara Wilcox, former chairman of the board for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, worked with Governor Jeb Bush to install phones atop the bridge that ring straight to the Crisis Center.

The suicide prevention program at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has people who can help day or night. 

For immediate support dial 211.

Learn more about the project from the FDOT here: https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/601/445399-1-52-01

If you would like to learn more about why this fence is being installed, visit here: https://skywaybridge.com/barrier.htm