Install a Fence on Renovated D Street Bridge

The News & Advance
Published: July 31, 2008

When Theresa Wilkerson jumped to her death from the Rivermont bridge in 2001, those close to her say she did not plan to end her life that way. Rather, they say, the young woman who had a history of schizophrenia made a snap decision in a moment of crisis.

Safety fencing along the rail of the bridge could have saved her life.

Now that the city plans to renovate the old D Street bridge, located near the Rivermont bridge that spans Blackwater Creek, Theresa’s father and others are renewing their calls for safety fencing on the renovated bridge. They say it could prevent accidents and deter future suicides.

They make a good case — one that the city should give every consideration to as it completes the design work for the renovated bridge on D Street.

Now would be the perfect time to do so, as engineers and architects are working on the design for the renovated structure. We’re not talking about a cheap, chain-link fence, but one that would complement the design of the historic structure and simultaneously enhance safety.

Don Wilkerson, Theresa’s father, said the city could save lives by including a fence on the restored bridge. “The stakes are so high,” he said last week, adding that he would like every member of City Council to “walk to the middle of the bridge, lean against the railing and look down. I hope that gives them second thoughts about denying that fence.”

Advocates have been seeking fencing for both bridges since 2001. The year after Theresa’s death, the council rejected the idea of fencing along Rivermont, citing the cost and aesthetic drawbacks.

City officials have said they do plan to install a taller barrier on the renovated D Street bridge, but stop short of describing it as a fence that would deter someone from committing suicide.

City Engineer Lee Newland said the restoration work will include a new barrier that will be taller than the existing one and more aesthetic. But, he said, “I cannot tell you it’s going to prevent anyone from jumping off.”

Why not? Which is more important, aesthetics or a barrier that would prevent someone from jumping to their death from the bridge? The answer to that question should be easy for a majority of City Council.

The bridge’s renovation was prompted by a need to repair the deck. Results of the preliminary design phase are expected to be available later this year. The bridge was closed in March after falling into serious disrepair. The structure leads to Cabell Street and Daniel’s Hill from Rivermont and is the city’s oldest concrete bridge.

Phil Theisen has added his voice to the call to add fencing to the renovated bridge. He is a board member of the Lynchburg Depressive Disorders Association and executive director of the Lynchburg Area Center for Independent Living.

He pointed out that adding the fence now “would be cheaper than trying to retrofit a fence later.”

Installing the fence now would also prevent accidents and it would surely save the life of someone like Theresa Wilkerson. In that, it could save the friends and relatives of the victim the anguish associated with the sudden death of a loved one.

“I’ve never gotten over it,” Don Wilkerson said recently. “People say it passes with time,” he added, “but it doesn’t.”

Construction of that fence may only save one life and the anguish of one family. But wouldn’t that be enough? City Council will provide the answer to that.