To the editor:

We should all celebrate the groundbreaking for the replacement of the East Bay Bike Path Bridges, which are so important to the local economies in Barrington, Warren and Bristol, and to the East Bay community in general. Some may have believed when they were closed for safety reasons that the rebuilding of the bridges was a foregone conclusion. It was not, and there were significant obstacles to overcome. 

Without the work of dedicated individuals, the path of least resistance would have been permanent bike lanes along the automobile bridges.  I’m sure there are many in the three communities and state government worthy of our gratitude, but from my perspective in Barrington, I’d like to name just a few. Of course, we all owe Senator Jack Reed our thanks for bringing millions of Federal dollars to bear to make sure the project happened.  Thanks also to Managers Jim Cunha and Phil Hervey, Senator Coyne and Representative Cassar.

I want to highlight one person in particular without whom, I don’t believe this project would have happened: Representative Jason Knight. Jason Knight’s relentless advocacy for the people of Barrington and Warren was so important in getting this job done. We’re fortunate to have him fighting for us, and he deserves our thanks.  

Michael Carroll

Barrington