Back in the 1930s, when the French King Bridge was completed and open for traffic between the towns of Erving and Gill, my father and brother-in-law brought me over to see this beautiful bridge that spans the Connecticut River. What a sight that was!
Unfortunately, lives were lost in building it, and since then lives have been lost from people taking their own lives jumping off of it to the river below.
Sometime this year, protective barriers will be put in place to discourage and prevent others from doing the same. The view will still be there for the people to enjoy.
I want to congratulate the selectboards and town administrators of Erving and Gill for their efforts working with the state to have this done. They all felt this was a good step to save lives. All of us can hope that these barriers will do their job.
I also want to thank the state of Massachusetts for doing what it can, but still leaving the bridge as beautiful as ever. Hopefully, the bridge will be repainted green again instead of black, which it is now.
A thankful wish to all that were part of this process. Keep it lighted forever.
Robert Bitzer, who lives in Erving, is a frequent contributor to the Recorder.