On July 19, Pasadena Heritage will be holding its biennial Bridge Party. San Rafael Neighborhoods Association is asking the City of Pasadena, “What are we celebrating?”
The Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena is a beloved and historic landmark, admired for its graceful arches and sweeping views. But for nearly a decade, the bridge has been the subject of an ongoing debate—not about its legacy or utility, but about how best to install a barrier that meets public safety needs without disrupting its architectural aesthetics.
In 2017, the City of Pasadena installed temporary chain-link fencing along the bridge in response to safety concerns. What was meant to be a short-term measure remains in place today, an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful structure. Since then, the City has spent years and significant resources engaging in forums, hiring consultants, collecting public input, and proposing multiple designs for a permanent barrier. Yet no decision has been made.
This prolonged indecision has not only delayed the necessary infrastructure improvement, but it has also cost the city time and taxpayer money—without producing results. Each new round of discussion, redesign, or public comment period adds to the bill without moving the project forward. Meanwhile, the bridge remains in a state of visual limbo, marred by a temporary fix that satisfies no one.
Why is it taking so long for the City to make a decision?
It goes back to the old saying, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” Let’s review some of the dissent that has been raised during the process over the last 8 years.
The traditional design was fine. Why not just take down temporary barrier and go back to the way it was?
The reason the barrier was installed was a response to increased suicides. The fact is that the barrier has been a very effective deterrent. From a liability perspective, there is no way the City could take an action that would knowingly increase public safety risk. Any decision the City makes regarding the bridge must maintain or improve current public safety levels.
What about the Golden Gate Bridge design where there are nets installed to catch jumpers?
There are several things to note of this proposed solution. The beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge is above the roadway and the netting does not impair the picturesque look. A big part of the beauty of the Colorado Street Bridge is its incredible arches below the roadway. Think about pictures or paintings of the bridge you have seen over the years. Can you imagine the arches being covered by safety netting? Another reason the netting is not an ideal solution is lack of public safety and first responders’ support. Rescues are difficult and while the netting may save lives, it generally results in significant injury. Finally, it is not as effective as other solutions. In the first year of the nets being installed on the Golden Gate Bridge, there were still 8 suicides.
We don’t like the proposed design choices. Can’t we come up with a better design?
Experts in suicide prevention as well as Pasadena Heritage along with bridge design consultants have been working on this for many years now. Many cities all over the world have been grappling with this same issue. The number one deterrent in design is that it must be at least 10 feet high of a non-climbable construction. There are 2 types of designs that have been solutions: pickets or web mesh. The City is currently building prototypes of each of these designs that should be complete later this summer.
It’s time for Pasadena to make a decision.
No doubt, the City has had good responses to these and other questions raised throughout the years. But the City has explored more than enough options. While design sensitivity matters, the endless pursuit of a “perfect” aesthetic is no longer productive or fiscally responsible. A permanent, durable barrier—one that serves its primary function of public safety—must be installed without further delay.
The longer the City waits, the more resources it wastes. By not making a decision, the City is actually making a decision to have its landmark remain an eyesore. As the process unfolds this fall, decision makers must remember, “You can’t please all of the people all of the time.” A decision must be made, not just for safety, but for efficiency, stewardship, and respect for one of Pasadena’s most iconic public spaces. Then, we can celebrate a proper Bridge Party.