NEW ORLEANS — The bridge that became the staple of New Orleans’ skyline, the Crescent City Connection, could soon be illuminated in color much like the Caesars Superdome.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced Monday that they are tasking Pennsylvania-based firm Modjeski and Masters Inc. to design a new decorative lighting system for the iconic bridge.
DOTD estimates the construction phase to cost $16.5 million and final completion is projected to be done in 2024.
M&M Inc has a history with Louisiana, including helping redesign the Crescent City Connection and the Huey P. Long bridges.
The design is for controllable and programmable LED lights on the trusses of the bridges, along with lights illuminating the piers.
“As a child, I watched the construction of the second span of the Crescent City Connection bridge, an iconic symbol of New Orleans that has lost its ability to reflect against the night sky,” then DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson said Friday before retiring and announcing his run for state governor.
“As one of my last actions as secretary, I am proud to initiate new LED technology that will allow us to showcase the bridge like never before, while at the same time moving to a technology that uses a fraction of the energy to run. Equally important, working with New Orleans & Company and the convention and tourism industry, we are introducing a new model of sustainable operations.”
The original decorative lighting system was installed in 1987, gifted by the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans.
“The lighting of the trusses is a powerful image known across the world, especially for holidays, sporting events, and the many festivals hosted in the city,” said Wilson. “It’s time to illuminate the New Orleans sky again so residents, businesses, and visitors can appreciate the beauty of the Crescent City Connection and the character of New Orleans.”
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