Ways Sought to Prevent People Jumping from Ravenel Bridge

Ravenel Bridge/Getty Images

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) – A committee is studying ways to prevent people from jumping to their deaths from the Ravenel Bridge linking Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

Local media outlets report that the group met Wednesday and includes everyone from mental health experts and lawmakers to highway engineers.

In the 11 years since the bridge opened, 25 people have jumped to their deaths. Most jumped from the sidewalk on the south side of the bridge, climbing over a fence more than 6 feet tall.

Transportation Department Secretary Christy Hall says adding to the height of the barriers on the bridge will require wind tunnel testing to see how they would affect the structure of the span. She says DOT is willing to pay for such studies.