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Big Four Bridge Gets Lights Wednesday

Courtesy of Bill Powers on Flickr

One of Louisville’s waterfront attractions is getting an upgrade as officials expect a new light display on the Big Four pedestrian and bicycle bridge to be running by Wednesday evening.

Nearly 1,500 LED lights have been installed and will display different colors and patterns, depending on which of the many schemes is programmed to run, said Michael Kimmel with the Waterfront Development Corporation.

“They ought to last a good long while. Generally the lights will last over a decade,” he said.

The project is similar to the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York (pictured above).

The nearly $2 million cost to install the lights came mainly from private donations, but a few hundred thousand also came from state and city governments.

Maintenance is minimal, but the Waterfront Development Corporation is exploring ways to generate some revenue, said Kimmel.

“What we have anticipated is charging different organizations for a light scheme that they might want to put on the bridge," he said.

Some holidays, like St. Patrick's Day, will have pre-programmed light schemes that can add to the cities festivities, said Kimmel.

Mayor Greg Fischer will hold a ceremony Wednesday evening at the Waterfront Tumbleweed restaurant on the upper floor at 7:30. The public is invited to attend.

The pedestrian and bicycle walkway, formerly a railroad bridge, opened in 2012 after being closed for many years.