Cornell University Bridges

Ithaca is Gorges

The campus’s beautiful scenery has made Cornell famous. The seven bridges provide spectacular views over the gorges and Beebe Lake. However, the iconic bridges also posed a problem: after a series of tragic events, Cornell and the City of Ithaca decided to implement a comprehensive security and prevention concept. The fences installed as an immediate solution proved extremely unpopular among students and the community. The university sought a solution that did not block the view on its iconic gorges and did not bring up depressing memories.

The versatile safety net

After having examined various solutions, Cornell decided to fit every bridge with an architectural suicide prevention measure made out of Webnet. The advantages were obvious: the net does not attract attention and cannot be seen from most of the bridges. The stainless steel wire net is resistant to the harsh New York climate with its cold winters. Finally, Jakob Rope System’s broad experience with successfully installed security nets and structural measures for the prevention of suicides convinced the university.

The project was challenging in every aspect. To provide optimal security, an individual design for each of the seven bridges was necessary. New York’s intense snowfalls and the historic bridge designs were further issues to be allowed for. Thanks to its versatility, Webnet was up to the challenge. It can be used in many different configurations: as a horizontal or vertical fall protection or as a spatial structure.