In celebration of the bridge's world-renowned history, the city commissioned Netherlands-based lighting integrator and distributor Fairlight BV to illuminate the bridge in 2004. Eleven years after the initial install, Fairlight BV was brought back to retrofit the design with more energy- and cost-efficient lighting fixtures from Martin Professional.
Fairlight BV faced two main challenges during the installation. The first was the location of the fixtures. Due to the bridge's architecture and the surrounding area it was very difficult to reach the areas where the fixtures are installed so the company brought in large cranes to swap out the lights. The second challenge was the limited amount of time Fairlight BV had to complete the retrofit before a city-wide Memorial Day celebration.
In the initial design and install in 2004, the company used Martin's Exterior 200 and 600 fixtures to light the bridge. Satisfied with the durability and quality of Martin's Exterior line, Fairlight retrofitted the fixtures with 12 of Martin's Exterior 400 and ten Exterior 410 fixtures-the latest in the line.
"The city wanted to save money on power and service," said Bram Adams, Sales Manager, Fairlight BV who has been with the company for more than eight years. "The 400s and 410s more than met those requirements. They use LED technology that increases energy efficiency and ensures a longer working period with minimal maintenance needs."
The design is broken into three main sections: the stanchions and supports along the bridge, the bottom section of the bridge and the pillars on which the bridge stands. Each light in the design can be controlled separately, allowing for any section of the bridge to be lit in different colours. The lighting system is pre-programmed to reflect different seasons and special occasions throughout the year with a range of colours.
Fairlight used a mix of several lenses to create the desired lighting effects. The company also took special care to ensure the surrounding buildings were not splashed with excess light and that the light was evenly thrown across the driving lanes for safety.
"Fairlight BV has a long and successful track record with Martin Professional," said Adams. "Their products are always high quality and their service is impeccable. The Martin fixtures were the perfect choice to light the bridge 11 years ago and they remain the best choice today."
(Jim Evans)
