Perth Amboy Calls For Victory Bridge ‘Suicide’ Barrier

Perth Amboy officials have renewed their efforts to have barriers installed on the Victory Bridge, where several people have tried to commit suicide in recent years.

The City Council recently passed a resolution urging Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature to build a protective fence. The say the bridge's existing guardrails are less than 6 feet high and easily scaled.

But state transportation officials say they don't have the estimated $2 million needed to build the barrier.

There have been 22 reported suicides or suicide attempts involving people who have jumped off the 110-foot span since it was opened in 2004. The bridge, which connects Perth Amboy to Sayreville, features four suicide helpline signs, in English and Spanish. The signs are the first of their kind on any state bridges.

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