A Bridge to Hope: Maine and New Hampshire Weigh $3M to $5M Suicide Barrier for I-95 Crossing
The picturesque Piscataqua River Bridge, a critical artery on Interstate 95 connecting Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is at the center of an urgent conversation that goes far beyond traffic flow. State officials from both sides of the border are moving forward with a crucial project: a feasibility study for a suicide deterrent barrier, estimated to cost between $3 million and $5 million.
This initiative is not merely a bureaucratic action; it’s a direct response to a heartbreaking series of recent tragedies. This past spring, a cluster of suicides occurred on bridges connecting the two communities, including the Piscataqua River Bridge. One of the victims was Jonathan “Jony” Hunter, a Sanford teenager whose family noted he had shown no outward signs of depression, underscoring the sudden and devastating nature of these incidents.
The Call for a Physical Solution
While new signage has been installed to promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and mental health professionals have seen positive results from those reminders, a physical barrier is viewed by many as the most definitive step. Mental health advocates argue that a barrier provides a vital “pause,” giving a person in crisis the critical moments they need to reconsider their decision and seek help.
The feeling is perhaps best captured by a mother whose 25-year-old son died by suicide on Maine’s Penobscot Narrows Bridge. She firmly believes a barrier would have saved his life, noting that “unless you have the barriers up, the suicides will continue.”. The Penobscot Narrows Bridge now has suicide prevention fencing, and the bi-state study group is looking closely at that project for lessons and best practices.
Weighing the Cost and Logistics
The cost of a permanent barrier, falling in the initial estimate of $3 million to $5 million, reflects the sheer engineering challenge of the project. The Piscataqua River Bridge is a massive structure, carrying an estimated 80,000 vehicles daily, a number that can spike to 130,000 in the summer months.
The feasibility study, led by the engineering firm Stantec, will evaluate a range of options, from safety netting to a permanent fence or barrier. They must consider more than just the upfront cost; they have to determine what system can best withstand the punishing elements of the New England coast, including severe wind, snow, and ice.
The study is also exploring high-tech enhancements, such as increased monitoring of cameras already on the bridge and potentially even detection systems that could alert first responders instantly if a person is in a precarious situation. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that while barriers are key, technology and rapid response are also vital parts of the solution.
The collaboration between New Hampshire and Maine officials, along with law enforcement and mental health providers, signals a strong commitment to addressing this public health crisis. The final decision will balance the significant financial investment with the incalculable value of saving lives on this crucial regional link.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.