The Main Street Bridge, a vertical lift bridge that crosses the Welland Canal in Ontario Canda is relit with LEDs. (All photos courtesy of Philips)

The Main Street Bridge is a vertical lift bridge that crosses the Welland Canal in downtown Welland, Ontario, Canada. Built in 1930, the bridge is the location of a historical intersection linking East Main Street which leads to Niagara Falls, to West Main Street and the rest of the town. The Main Street Bridge stretches 70.6 m (232 ft) long and stands 9.1 m (30 ft) high.

The Main Street Bridge lit up in a blue hue with the color changing Philips Color Kinetics LEDs.

As a significant symbol of Welland’s history and pride, the town desired to revitalize the Main Street Bridge with a new lighting system. The goal of the lighting project was to illuminate the bridge and add color to showcase the capabilities of the structure. Welland native Marcel Dion, of Marcel Dion Lighting Design (MDLD) worked with Integrated Engineering to choose Philips Color Kinetics fixtures due to their controllability and DMX capabilities. ColorReach Compact Powercore fixtures were used to light the two towers standing at either end of the bridge and to illuminate the operating cables. ColorGraze MX Powercore fixtures were used on the outer perimeter and underside of the structure to highlight the metal beams, and eW Burst Powercore was mounted to the center of the structure above the roadway for primary street lighting. “MDLD worked with Philips Lighting Canada, whose service was essential in assisting with samples, installation instructions, and expedited production services to meet tight deadlines, all with a cost effective solution,” said Dion.

LEDs transform The Main Street Bridge into violet and red tones.

The lighting project was completed in time to illuminate the bridge for Canada Day on July 1. Crowds gathered along both sides of the canal, and chants of “Light it up!” began echoing around the new landmark.  As the lighting effects turned red and white representing Canadian pride, the crowd began singing their beloved anthem, “O, Canada,” which could be heard for miles around the historic bridge.

Pedestrians walking on the newly lit Main Street Bridge.

The Main Street Bridge is now illuminated in vibrant colors and bright white light every day until midnight. The new installation has enhanced the major landmark and attracts viewers and tourists to the town of Welland, Ontario.