How would you like our bridge to be lit?

NEWS RELEASE

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

************************* Public input sought in Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge 50th Anniversary lighting   The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge will be lit with patriotic colors honoring the U.S. and Canada for its 50th anniversary, and the public will have a chance to select the lighting design.

At today's quarterly meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Authority (SSMBA) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the bi-national Board of Directors heard a report from the International Bridge Administration (IBA) on developing celebration plans for the 50th anniversary of the bridge in 2012.

The IBA Web site, www.michigan.gov/iba, will accept public voting on the lighting design beginning in mid-September, with the 30-day voting period anticipated.

In early September, the IBA will announce the date voting can begin.

Current plans include installation of anniversary lighting on the east side of the three curved arch bridge spans, and, with the board's approval, the IBA engaging the public to select the most popular lighting concept.

Three lighting design concepts each for U.S. arch span and the Canadian arch span will be posted to the IBA web site, where visitors will be able to vote for their favorite lighting concept for each span.

The most popular design concepts will then be installed in spring 2012 and activated to coincide with the annual bridge walk weekend in June.

"We are developing plans for a number of celebration events and the anniversary lighting is one of the most exciting events we are working on," said IBA General Manager Phil Becker. "Test strands of industrial rope light were installed by bridge staff a couple months ago and are visible at the south end of the U.S. arch." 

The lighting concept color schemes follow the national flag colors, with the Canadian arch including red and white lights, and the U.S. arches including red, white and blue lights.

The lighting designs will utilize industrial rope light strands that are secured to, and follow, the curved top and bottom profile on the east side of the arch spans.

The number "50" also will be created with rope lights at the center points of the U.S. and Canadian arches.

"Each of the six lighting concepts is very visually striking," said Becker, "and it is only appropriate that we ask the public to select the best one."

Other celebration events being planned will be announced as details are finalized.

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