Bolte Bridge safety barriers to be installed

Bolte Bridge is set to receive permanent barriers to prevent suicide, with installation beginning this week.

Transurban head of assets Phil Naulls said an incident response team and 24-hour camera surveillance was in place at the bridge, but permanent safety barriers were an additional safety measure.

“Transurban is regularly reviewing safety on its roads and a number of upgrades have been completed on the bridge over recent years thanks to new technology and engineering advancements,” Mr Naulls said.

“This means we can install barriers without affecting weight limits or the operation of the bridge.”

The mother of a young man who took his own life at the bridge last May, Janine Mitten, 61, has been lobbying the state government to install the barriers. The news has been welcomed by Ms Mitten who wants to soften her own tragedy by helping to prevent others from the same fate.

“What will make me really happy is when there are barriers on every bridge and pedestrian overpass in Victoria because I think it should be part of building policy,” she said.

Mr Naulls said installation of the barriers and final CityLink Tulla Widening works will involve lane closures on the bridge at night until the end of the year. He said the barriers would be completed by Christmas.

State Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the barriers were being installed as part of the CityLink Tullamarine Widening Project.

“Safety is our top priority and we’ll continue to conduct safety reviews as part of our major road projects,” Mr Donnellan said.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.