Aerial Lift Bridge to Go Through Sidewalk Repair and Lighting Upgrades

Work continues today for a major renovation project on the aerial lift bridge...

DULUTH, Minn. – Work continues today for a major renovation project on the aerial lift bridge, which includes some lighting upgrades and sidewalk improvements.

This will be the first time since 1980 that the lights will be upgraded. The new LED lights are expected to last for nearly 23 years.

Officials say they are expected to increase lighting efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The light is a lot more precise so it will illuminate the bridge on both the tower and the cross ban much more precisely than these current big flood lights just kind of light everything,” said Alex Jackson, the Energy Coordinator for the city.

A contractor also began repairs on parts of the sidewalk on both sides of the bridge. The sidewalks cracked due to frost and now they are working to flatten them out. Traffic lanes will be closed, depending on the side they are working on.

The work is expected to last one week.