New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez revealed on Thursday that the 140-year-old Brooklyn Bridge has undergone a transformation with the installation of 56 new energy-efficient lights.
Rodriguez expressed, “Everyone appreciates a New Year’s ‘glow up,’ and with our newly installed energy-efficient LED lighting system, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge will radiate brilliance for all New Yorkers to appreciate. These modern lights are set to showcase its beauty for decades to come.”
The upgraded lighting system, costing $2.4 million and taking five months to install, will now illuminate the renowned structure, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017 for its architectural and historical significance.
Expected to last for 20 years, this lighting system is part of the city’s 2024 projects, which also include a $300 million initiative to cleanse years of dirt and soot from every stone on the bridge.
Sarah Carroll, Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair, remarked, “The Brooklyn Bridge stands as one of New York’s most beloved landmarks, recognized globally as a symbol of our city.”
With an estimated daily usage of 120,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 4,000 cyclists, the Brooklyn Bridge continues to be a vital and cherished transportation hub.
