BUFFALO, NY — The Peace Bridge linking the U.S. and Canada has undergone a $1.2 million upgrade that includes the use of nearly 700 ColorBlast Powercore and ColorReach Powercore fixtures from Philips Color Kinetics. The project’s lighting design is by Mulvey & Banani International Inc. The lighting controls were furnished by Westbury National Show Systems LTD. Stantec Consulting Services provided engineering, and Frey Electric did the installation.
Formerly lit by metal halide floodlights that had fallen into disrepair, the tri-color LEDs now light up the deck, structure beneath and arches over the 3,580-foot bridge. Each fixture can respond to digital controls to produce a wide array of colors and coordinated light show sequences.
The new fixtures eliminate the need for gels, filters or color scrollers to customize the bridge’s appearance for special events and holidays. Along with labor savings, the installation is expected to consume just one-third the energy of the previous system. The LEDs are also well suited to harsh environments including bridge vibration, according to Philips.
The federal government’s Transportation Enhancement Program funded the $1.2 million project with support from the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority.
“At the turn of the last century Buffalo was known as the ‘City of Light,’ recognizing its status as one of the first cities to be illuminated by hydro-electric power,” noted Ken Schoetz, vice chairman of the Peace Bridge Authority. “Over 100 years later, we can deliver a project that builds on this heritage, utilizing state of the art technology and energy efficiency.”
“The interplay of light with a signature landmark serves much more than decorative purpose. It should reinforce the form, content and volume of the object as well as reveal the essential character and nature of the architecture,” said Paul Boken, senior lighting designer at Mulvey & Banani International.
“For the Peace Bridge, LED technology allowed us to transform a static monument into a vibrant, ever-changing form — all while meeting budget requirements and the need for sustainability, security and versatility,” Boken added.
“We’re thrilled to bring the extraordinary impact of LED lighting to this important landmark, demonstrating that energy-saving lighting upgrades can be both practical and visually spectacular at the same time,” said Jeff Cassis, CEO of Philips Color Kinetics. “This installation perfectly exemplifies the large-scale exterior applications that LED technology now allows — enabling the use of vibrant color where it was previously impractical, while simultaneously alleviating energy and maintenance concerns.”
For more information, please visit www.peacebridge.com and www.philips.com.
