In recent years artists have been implementing light installation pieces on bridges. While this originally only created interest, businesses soon discovered economic benefits of locals and tourists alike going to see the lights and then socializing at their business. Since the installations have increased revenue for businesses along river fronts close to the bridges, city planners have begun to consider adding lights to more bridges in their city in order to achieve increased economic growth. Below you can see some of the most spectacularly illuminated bridges in the world and how they benefited the community.

Helix Bridge

The Helix Bridge located in the Downtown Core of Singapore is a pedestrian linking bridge that officially opened in July 2010. While some may appreciate the architectural design during the day, it becomes a special visual experience for even more visitors at night as the LED lights highlight the double-helix structure of the bridge. 

Royal Border Bridge

In the same year that the Helix Bridge gained its lights, the Royal Border Bridge was similarly given illumination with fitted colour-changing lights for its 160th anniversary. While the lights are typically multicoloured, on days of awareness like the International Day of Disability, the bridge shines the light reflecting the cause. 

Howrah Bridge

Claiming the title of the busiest bridge in the world, the Howrah Bridge located in Howrah, West Bengal, India is Kolkata's biggest landmark and was revitalized with lights in November of 2006.

While some cities are only lighting up bridges to provide a singular aesthetic, Adjaye Associates pitched having the bridges in London, England synchronized to create a light show that spans the length of the River Thames. 

Pedestrian Bridge in Birrarung

The pedestrian bridge in Birrarung is a 300 meter long timber and steel structure that leads to the Cricket Stadium of Melbourne. Each year approximately 1 million+ people transit here either by walking or on bikes to watch Australia’s most popular sport. The staggered lights on the posts by the bridge keep the bridge brightly lit so that pedestrians can travel on it day or night. You can learn more about this bridge here. 

High Trestle Bridge

In the early 2000's the High Trestle Bridge transformed from a rail traffic bridge to one exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition to changing its purpose, the bridge became illuminated with LED lights to create an intriguing visual display that according to the BBC in 2015 made the High Trestle Trail Bridge one of the eight amazing footbridges in the world. 

Saint Anthony Falls Bridge

The I-35W Saint Anthony Falls Bridge is currently testing the ability to be illuminated with LED lighting since such lighting is generally not efficient for highways. While the above image shows the bridge illuminated in Pride colours, the bridge is typically all blue except for when special occasions are happening in the city. 

Sources: Wikipedia, Wikipedia - High Trestle Trail, New York Times, Co.Design

cover photo © Carol VanHook via Flickr