Bird spikes rendering
A rendering of the bird spikes. Courtesy Caltrans

Caltrans plans to install bird spikes on the Coronado Bridge as a temporary solution to preventing suicides while it continues to study a permanent barrier.

The spikes would be similar to those used to prevent pigeons from roosting on ledges and roofs. They would be attached atop the short walls that now line the bridge.

Caltrans held a series of public forums last year as it studied how to prevent suicidal people from jumping off the short walls.

More than 400 people have plunged to their deaths since the bridge opened in 1969.

Caltrans officials hope to have the spikes installed within a year.

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Chris Jennewein is founder and senior editor of Times of San Diego.