To acknowledge the years of advocacy and heartache that led to the installation of safety barriers at the French King Bridge, the town is partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to host a reception at the French King Restaurant.

Town Planner Mariah Kurtz said the reception, planned for Thursday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m., will not be celebratory in nature, but rather reflective, an effort to “recognize the impact” the project may have on shaping the future at the bridge. It will feature a lineup of speakers who were advocates of the barrier installation, as well as refreshments and “a chance for people to talk to each other.”

“It’s important to recognize how meaningful the addition of these barriers is to the communities around here and to the people who advocated for them … as well as MassDOT for funding it and the construction company that constructed them,” Kurtz said.

Those interested in attending the reception are asked to RSVP at rb.gy/4w7kr. Those seeking more information or wanting to make an accommodation request can contact Kurtz at mariah.kurtz@erving-ma.gov or 413-422-1105.

“We recognize that this event may bring up strong emotions for some attendees, and that folks may want to know more specific information to determine if they would like to attend,” Kurtz wrote in an event announcement.

Following years of advocacy from town officials, legislators and suicide prevention advocates, MassDOT announced in February 2021 that the project to install 9-foot-tall barriers at the French King Bridge, which has garnered a reputation as a destination for suicides, was finally moving ahead. The safety barrier installation was ultimately completed “faster than expected,” according to Gill Selectboard Chair Randy Crochier.

The preliminary construction process began in May 2022. The construction bid came in at nearly $5.53 million, with 80% of funding coming from the Federal Highway Administration and 20% coming from MassDOT.

Work continued through the fall before being put on hold for the winter. The north-side barrier was fully installed by April, while the final portions of the south-side barrier were installed in early August, according to Kurtz.

Dan Huse, project manager for Northern Construction, said Wednesday that he hopes to have the project “demobilized” by the end of the week. Remaining work involves cleanup, removing signs and traffic control barriers, fixing bridge expansion joints and touching up paint along the bridge’s railing. MassDOT will then conduct a final inspection, he said.

“It’s definitely an interesting project and we’re honored to play a small part in doing it for the town and state,” Huse commented.

Kurtz said the town is working with MassDOT to install a bench adjacent to the bridge’s Erving-side parking area to memorialize those who lost their lives at the bridge.

Previously, Gill and Erving town officials had considered working with MassDOT to have a plaque installed in memoriam. Since then, Kurtz said she has spoken “pretty extensively” with the state Department of Mental Health regarding how to most appropriately acknowledge landmarks with “a traumatic history associated with them.” The sentiment that emerged from these talks, she said, was that something more subtle and to the side, such as a tree or bench, would be more appropriate than a written message centered on the bridge. She does not yet know when the bench might be installed.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.