SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - After years of persistent advocacy by survivors, families, and suicide prevention activists, the installation of stainless-steel nets on both sides of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge has been completed. The nets, a long-awaited solution to prevent suicides at the iconic landmark, mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the tragic issue.

Kevin Hines, a survivor who jumped off the bridge in 2000 at the age of 19, expressed his gratitude for the installation of the nets. Hines, who miraculously survived the fall but sustained severe injuries, including a broken back, highlighted the potential of the nets to provide immediate intervention and save lives.

The Golden Gate Bridge, which has witnessed nearly 2,000 suicides since its opening in 1937, has been a challenging site to address due to its status as a tourist attraction known for its breathtaking views. However, a dedicated group of individuals, including Hines' father and parents who lost their children to suicide at the bridge, persistently advocated for a solution over the span of two decades.

The project, which had been approved more than a decade ago, commenced in 2018 with the installation of 20-foot-wide stainless steel mesh nets. Despite encountering delays, the nets have now been placed 20 feet down from the bridge's deck, effectively deterring jumpers and curbing the death rate.

The nets, constructed with marine-grade stainless steel engineered to withstand the bridge's challenging environment, are virtually invisible to motorists crossing the bridge. However, they are clearly visible to pedestrians standing by the rails. Firefighters and ironworkers have been trained in rescue techniques to retrieve individuals who jump into the nets.

Dennis Mulligan, the general manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, emphasized the effectiveness of the nets as a continuous physical suicide barrier that spans the entire 1.7-mile bridge. He noted a decline in the number of suicide attempts in areas where the barriers were installed, from an annual average of 30 to 14.

Despite the completion of the nets, some individuals still attempt to jump, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and intervention. The bridge patrol plays a crucial role in spotting people considering suicide and preventing them from jumping. In 2020 alone, they dissuaded 149 people from taking their own lives.

The installation of the nets was not without its challenges. Costs for the project escalated from the initial estimated $76 million to a total of $224 million due to changes, flaws in design, and deteriorating maintenance platforms on the bridge. A dispute between the Golden Gate Bridge district and the lead contractors on the project is ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for June.

Critics of the nets argue that the substantial investment does not address the underlying issues leading individuals to contemplate suicide. However, supporters, including the Bridge Rail Foundation, cite studies by Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, which demonstrate that most survivors do not attempt suicide again. They emphasize the importance of restricting access to lethal means to prevent tragedies.

The completion of the Golden Gate Bridge suicide nets stands as a significant milestone in suicide prevention efforts and offers hope for a future with reduced fatalities. While the fight against suicide continues, the nets promise to be a vital tool in saving lives and providing critical intervention for those in crisis.