AASHTO Journal - Louisiana DOTD Finishes $23M Bridge Lighting Project

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently wrapped up the $23 million Crescent City Connection or CCC Decorative Lighting Project and officially handed over control of the new programmable Light Emitting Diode or LED system to New Orleans.

[Above photo by the Louisiana DOTD]

This project – a joint effort between Louisiana DOTD and the city of New Orleans, with each contributing approximately half of the total cost – replaced the original lighting system installed in 1987.

Years of wear and tear and hurricane damage caused electrical surges that shorted out bulbs and damaged the electrical grid on the trusses. In 2022, Louisiana DOTD officials decided not to repair the existing system and instead replace it with a new, more versatile, cost-effective solution.

In less than a year, 1,660 individual LED lights were installed. This new system features colors and themes that extend across the river and reflect off the water, highlighting the outlines of both twin cantilever bridges, including their trusses and piers, which now shine brightly each night.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the power of collaboration in improving Louisiana’s infrastructure,” said Louisiana DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue in a statement. “[We are] proud to have worked alongside state, local, and city officials to bring this vision to life.”

The agency added that Frischhertz Electric, a local family-owned business from New Orleans, installed the new lighting system, while the regional offices of Modjeski and Masters designed the programmable LED lighting.

Both companies have a long history in New Orleans as Modjeski and Masters designed both CCC bridges, while Frischhertz installed the original lighting system in 1987.

The city of New Orleans will now manage the programming and maintenance of the LED lighting system. Pre-programmed lighting scenes include themes for Mardi Gras, Patriotic, Saints, Pelicans, Black History Month, Christmas, Halloween and more. The bridges can be illuminated in unison or programmed to light up separately, Louisiana DOTD said.