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Transformative restoration work has just been done to the 140-year old Brooklyn Bridge, with the installation of a brand new energy efficient lighting system. New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez recently announced the news, dubbing it the monument’s new year ‘glow up.’
A total of 56 new lights now illuminate the bridge’s towers on the UNESCO World Heritage site. The last renovation to the bridge’s lights were in 2021 when the 166 necklace lights were swapped for LED bulbs.
The new ‘glow up’ is part of the NYC DOT preservation efforts that will encompass a 4-year, $300 million project. The new lighting system was $2.4 million alone. It took five months to install and is expected to have a lifespan of 20 years.
NYC DOT commemorated the new system on January 11, 2024. It’s been 41 years since the bridge’s towers were last illuminated for the monument’s centennial celebration.
Additional efforts beyond the lighting system include deep cleaning the stones to remove harmful dirt and soot, restoring the mortar between each stone, and returning the towers to their original light gray color.
“Everyone loves a good new year’s ‘glow up,’ and thanks to our new energy efficient LED lighting system, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge will shine bright for all New Yorkers to enjoy,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “One of NYC DOT’s most cherished responsibilities is maintaining ‘America’s Eiffel Tower,’ and these new lights will showcase its beauty for decades to come.”
The Brooklyn Bridge made history upon its completion after being the world’s longest suspension bridge circa May 24, 1883. Today, it services an estimated 120,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 4,000 cyclists daily.
Mayor Eric Adams’ reopening of Brooklyn Banks, now known as The Arches, earlier last year is also part of the bridge’s restoration efforts.
Find more about the preservation of the Brooklyn Bridge and its new lighting system here.