The barriers are finally being installed on Burgoyne Bridge.

Wendi Duggan said she couldn’t be happier to see progress made, after being part of a community group that spent most of a year lobbying for the addition of safety barriers following several suicides and attempts there.

The barriers were initially to be in place by the end of 2019. But Niagara Region announced this week that work is underway, following design changes to allow the structure to cope with high winds, as well as awaiting Ministry of Transportation approval.

Duggan’s group, Niagara United, led several vigils at the bridge, attended two regional council meetings to show support for installation of the barriers, and joined Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates at Queen’s Park to call for more supports to help people suffering from mental illness.

She said she wasn’t surprised by the delays in getting the barriers installed.

“From what I understand, we’re getting the best ones for that place, at the best costs, and that took a little bit extra,” she said.

Rankin Construction Inc. was awarded the $2.6-million contract to build and install the barriers in November.

Rankin staff were at the bridge at the end of the week, preparing the site for installation of the barriers that were recommended by Niagara’s acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji last year.

His recommendation came after enough suicides and attempts occurred there to rank it as the second-highest suicide rate in North America.

The Region says the project is expected to be complete by May, creating a barrier constructed from aluminum pickets along the outside railing to minimize visual obstructions. As well, stainless steel netting is to be installed between the two lanes of the bridge.

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