ST. PAUL, MN. — Temporary suicide prevention measures on the Washington Avenue Bridge would become permanent thanks to legislation (SF 2148) heard in the Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday. The legislation being carried by Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis) would help address longstanding safety concerns that have existed at the bridge, which connects the East and West Banks of the University of Minnesota campus over the Mississippi River.
“The Washington Avenue Bridge is a critical nexus in the heart of Minneapolis, connecting the East and West Banks of the University of Minnesota, it serves thousands of University students every day. Yet for many years, it has also been the site of a number of suicides as it lacks the protective barriers that could prevent these deeply tragic incidents,” said Sen. Dibble. “After years of half-measures, this bill provides the urgently needed funding to get measures in place that will protect people from harm. We cannot and should not delay another year from doing what we need to keep people in crisis safe.”
A two-level bridge, the Washington Avenue Bridge serves light rail and bus traffic on its lower level while serving approximately 20,000 pedestrians and 7,000 bikers on its top level. Insufficient barriers in place on the top level have made the bridge a frequent site for suicide attempts. Wednesday’s hearing featured testimony from relatives of people who had died by suicide on the bridge and members of the the suicide prevention advocacy group Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE).
Relying on revenue generated by the Metro-area sales tax dedicated to the Met Council for Transportation, Sen. Dibble’s bill would require the U of M to consult with persons affected by suicide at the Washington Avenue bridge, suicide prevention organizations, and experts in suicide prevention in designing the project.
While temporary measures have been in place since 2024, a permanent solution is needed. The bill was a priority of the late Senator Kari Dziedzic, who represented the area until her tragic passing in late 2024.
“Senator Dziedzic never stopped working on this legislation, because she never stopped caring about her constituents. Now even though she is gone, her legacy continues thanks to this bill which will save lives,” added Sen. Dibble.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus transportation bill.
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