The French King Bridge soars 143 feet above the Connecticut River between the towns of Gill and Erving, MA. The graceful 3-span arch design bridge is known for its beauty and views from its pedestrian walkway. Erected in 1932 it was named the most beautiful bridge of its class in the nation by the American Institute of Steel Construction.

The project to install safety barriers at the bridge began in 2022 following years of advocacy from town officials, legislators and suicide prevention advocates. Tragically, the site had garnered a reputation as a destination for suicide. The new safety barriers are 9 feet tall, and match the style of the bridge and limit disrupting the view of the Connecticut River. With the installation of safety barriers along the French King Bridge now complete, those with a connection to the structure’s tragic history hope to be more at peace.

The French King Bridge is an iconic structure with a long history. Not only is it an important part of the Region’s economy as a tourist destination, but the addition of the anti-suicide barriers has given the residents of the towns of Erving and Gill a sense of comfort. To that end, the duplex system will allow the new additions to remain free from corrosion while retaining the aesthetic appeal for decades.