Bridges of Cleveland
Cleveland, OH

City Bridges of Cleveland Bask in BEGA Light

When the City of Bridges selected what would be its permanent architectural lighting, it was BEGA’s turn to shine.

Eight bridges are now illuminated. Among them are the lift section of the Willow Avenue Bridge which remains illuminated when opening to water traffic; the Detroit Superior with its indirect lighting designed for comfortable evening walks; and the Center Street Swing Bridge which provides a cross-fading lighting system for illumination in both the open and closed positions.

The B & O Railroad bascule bridge is now inoperative and permanently in its raised position. During a 15-minute event that takes place every half-hour, the bridge is bathed in light that changes from white to amber to red, creating a gradual transformation from the base to tip of the 230-foot-long span.

The other B & O Railroad bridge, which is also out of commission, suggests the passage of a ghost train created by magenta and blue foot lighting. Every half-hour what appears to be an approaching train emerges changing hue until the roadway glows white. When the ghost train reaches the end of the trestle, a searchlight punctuates the sky.

BEGA large scale metal halide floodlights, ranging from 175W to 400W, were chosen to illuminate these bridges. Using Dichroic color filters added color and life to the structures.

This Ross De Alessi design is a delight for visitors and Clevelander’s alike.