The University of Minnesota installed temporary chain link fencing across its Washington Avenue Bridge on Nov. 22 to prevent suicides.

The bridge connects the University’s east and west bank campuses and is used by thousands of students each day. It was the site of two confirmed suicides in November. The temporary fence creates a barrier between pedestrians and the bridge’s side railings.

The University continues to work on funding and approvals to implement a long-term solution to enhance the bridge’s safety, said Vice President of University Services Alice Roberts-Davis in a statement.

“The University of Minnesota prioritizes the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors,” Roberts-Davis said in the statement.

This comes following over a year of inconsistent collaboration between the University, Hennepin County and suicide prevention non-profit SAVE. Because Hennepin County owns the bridge, implementation of any fencing required permit approval from the county.

Roberts-Davis said the University will continue to explore how the University and county can collaborate to fund and implement a long-term solution for the bridge.