Columbus looks to illuminate gateway bridge
October 4, 2012 3:04PM
A semi streaks past Front Door Bridge on I-65 during a test lighting Tuesday night, Oct. 2, 2012, in Columbus, Ind. The city is exploring options to light the structure, which was erected in the 1990s to enhance the western entrance to the city. Columbus city engineer Dave Hayward says that Tuesday night's test with various light colors found troubles illuminating the bridge's curved features, along with its dark red arch and dark gray cables. (AP Photo/The Republic, Andrew Laker)
Maps
Updated: October 4, 2012 11:23PM
COLUMBUS (AP) — After the first try fell short of expectations, planners said they’ll work on a new way to illuminate a distinctive steel arch bridge over Interstate 65 in central Indiana.
A crew used various light colors in test Tuesday night on the bridge at the highway’s interchange with Indiana 46 in Columbus, but ran into trouble lighting up its curved features, dark red arch and dark gray cables, city engineer Dave Hayward said.
“The lighting scheme that we had in mind and what we thought would work ... just didn’t work,” Hayward told The Republic.
Mayor Kristen Brown said she hopes to light up the bridge because it is the main gateway to Columbus, which has numerous architecturally renowned buildings.
Lighting the arch at the bridge about 40 miles south of Indianapolis is estimated to cost $65,000 to $70,000.
“If we think it has a significant impact for a reasonable sum of money, that’s something I could see us doing going forward,” Brown said. “I do believe it’s worth investigating.”
Hayward said the initial test also found that lights from the surrounding area also complicated the bridge illumination. Another lighting test will probably be done within the next month, Hayward said.
“We’re rethinking,” he said. “Everybody involved is kind of looking at new options. We haven’t decided what the best options are.”
