Should a New New-Bedford Fairhaven Bridge Get LED Lights?

I recently asked folks if the $8 million the state has committed to illuminating the Charles M. Braga Bridge connecting Fall River to Somerset is a solid investment.

We posted the question to the WBSM and Fun 107 websites and the Facebook pages for both stations. Not surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of respondents said "NO!"

Some of you were not shy with your responses. Here is a sampling of some opinions.

Donna Courchaine via Facebook

Debra Lemonde said, "Could have been spent in a more productive way (especially) the way the economy is."

Presleigh Grace wrote, "$8 million for decorative lights at the taxpayer's expense, while most taxpayers are having to choose between heat, food, and Christmas."

Mike Butts posted, "This is how the morons in charge spend YOUR tax money."

Alan Silvia Facebook

Then there was this from Brian Montalvo: "A lot of comments how many of y'all went to the meeting to stop the spending for the light on the bridge? I'll wait..."

Ronnie Pacheco said, "It looks nice, but no."

Michael Oliver spoke in defense of the expenditure by simply replying, "Yes."

Steven Miller said, "It looks beautiful."

The Braga is the fifth Massachusetts bridge to be illuminated by remotely controlled state-of-the-art LED lighting.

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Kate Robinson/Townsquare Media

As many of you may know, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is toying with the idea of replacing the age-old New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge.

Should a replacement bridge, if there is to be one, be illuminated in the same way that the Braga Bridge and four other Massachusetts highway bridges are?

I look forward to your responses.

Hilarious Google Reviews of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge

We've all been there. You think you've made it with a couple of minutes to spare, only to get caught at the red light as the bridge closes. Some of us turn around. Others wait. What most of us don't do, however, is take our anger to the internet — but apparently, several people have, and the results are both hilarious and relatable.

With an average rating of two stars on Google, our love-to-hate-it SouthCoast landmark proves that it's at least slow enough for those stuck waiting to grab their phones and pour out their feelings online. From glowing to glowering, here's what people have to say about the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge.

Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson

Not-So-Rave Reviews for Fall River's Braga Bridge

Love it or hate, most drivers on the SouthCoast use it several times a week. Now some of them have taken to Google to review their experience on Fall River's Braga Bridge.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall