As decisions for the design of the Aurora Bridge suicide-prevention barrier near, committee representatives from neighborhoods around the bridge are still hesitant about the options aimed to deter possible jumpers.

Continuing the discussion of what treatment will be chosen for the top of the barrier, at last week's advisory meeting the committee split the top treatments into cap, pickets, straight finial and tube.

In 2006, a record high of nine people jumped from the Aurora Bridge. Top treatments are seen as the most affective as a physical and visual deterrent to preventing future suicides.

With it's curved design, the cap and tube options are expected to make it difficult for jumpers to find a handhold. Pickets are an obvious physical deterrent, as rods would stick out horizontally from the top of the barrier.

Like the pickets, straight finials stick up vertically from the top of the barrier acting like prongs on the top of a cast iron fence.

Three key elements the design should incorporate are being considered with each decision. These are elements that would complement the design of the bridge; pieces that would not hinder views but wouldn't assist jumpers in going over the barrier.

Aiming for a 10-foot-high fence from the roadway and 8 feet, 9 inches from the sidewalk, the barrier would connect to the original bridge and be roughly 8 inches to a foot from the bridge's original railing.

Carefully dissecting the pros and cons of each top treatment, committee members were able to rule out two of the four top treatments. Both the cap and tube were seen as aids for jumpers, and their physical design did not coincide with the bridges' historical value.

As they compared the pickets to the tubing and caps, one committee member explained that pokey elements, such as the picket and straight finials, look like more of a deterrent than the tube design, while the cap design offered a ledge that jumpers would be able to use as a handhold.

"People do not want to get hurt in the process of harming themselves," said Don Kuch, with the King County Crisis Clinic.

However, another member said even though the cap's overhang did create a handhold ledge, if the length was increased it could create more difficulty for anyone who wanted to use it as aid to climb over the barrier.

The straight finials turned out to be the least offensive choice to members.

Unlike the pickets that jut out horizontally from the top of the barrier, the finials would act like the decorative spear tips or points seen at the top of cast iron fences.

The committee decided to rule out tubing and caps and are still in discussion on whether to choose pickets or straight finials for the final design.

Ellen Monrad, a member of the Queen Anne Community Council, brought a mock-up design to the table. Monrad said many were still unable to visualize the design's application and effectiveness.

Another concern for some was if it were really worth investing in a design that had not been proven to prevent individuals from going through with suicide plans.

Erik Pihl member of the Fremont Neighborhood Council said residents in nearby communities would be upset if the investment in the barrier didn't show a substantial decline in the number of jumpers.

According to a study of the effectiveness of a barrier on the Golden Gate Bridge, 90 percent of those who survive a suicide attempt do not go on to kill themselves.

A public meeting between the Washington State Department of Transportation and Architect Review Committee of the City of Seattle Landmarks Board is scheduled for Oct. 10 to further discuss the top treatments, dimensions and materials needed for the barrier.

The Aurora Bridge Advisory committee will host their final meeting on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seattle Pacific University, Otto Miller Hall-Room 109, 3307 Third Ave. W. The public is invited to attend to learn more about the project and provide input and feedback.

For more information on the Aurora Bridge project visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects /SR99/AuroraBridgeFence/Default.htm" http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects /SR99/AuroraBridgeFence/Default.htm

Allison Espiritu may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com.