Memorial Bridge (Augusta, Maine)

Memorial Bridge over the Kennebec River.

The Memorial Bridge, also known as the Kennebec Memorial Bridge or Kennebec River Bridge, is a bridge in Augusta, Maine, that crosses the Kennebec River, joining the east and west sides of the city. It carries U.S. Route 201, U.S. Route 202, Route 11, and Route 100. The bridge is approximately 2,100 feet (640 m) long and has two lanes for traffic and a barrier-protected sidewalk for pedestrians on each side of the roadway. It was first completed in 1949.[1]

Safety fence

The Memorial Bridge is located near a state psychiatric hospital, the Riverview Psychiatric Center. In 1983, after a number of suicide deaths occurred on the bridge, an 11-foot‐high safety fence was installed on each side of the bridge. The fence was effective in preventing suicides.[2] In 2006, the fence was temporarily removed due to a renovation project, and this sparked debate about whether the fence was necessary. The fence was described by some as "a cage", and without it they could experience a "sweeping, majestic view".[3] At the end of the year, the fence was reinstalled.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pelletier, AR (2007). "Preventing suicide by jumping: the effect of a bridge safety fence". Inj. Prev. 13: 57–9. doi:10.1136/ip.2006.013748. PMC 2610560Freely accessible. PMID 17296691.
  2. ↑ Pelletier, AR (2007). "Preventing suicide by jumping: the effect of a bridge safety fence". Inj. Prev. 13: 57–9. doi:10.1136/ip.2006.013748. PMC 2610560Freely accessible. PMID 17296691.
  3. ↑ "Augusta fence spurs mental health debate". boston.com.

Coordinates: 44°18′45″N 69°46′22″W / 44.3125°N 69.7728°W / 44.3125; -69.7728

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