Shedding Light On Illuminating The Aerial Lift Bridge
“The Aerial Lift Bridge is the symbol of Duluth,” declared chairman of Project Duluth Committee John Griden in 1966. “We want to do everything possible to promote it to dramatize Duluth to tourists."
The committee raised $21,000 ($200,000 today) from 10,000 donors to fund the illumination of Duluth's iconic bridge.
November 17, 1966
Before a crowd of thousands, State Representative John A Blatnik threw the switch on the first lights consisting of twelve 1,000-watt mercury vapor bulbs, calling the lights, "a magnificent symbol of the rebirth of our area"
It took time for the lamps to warm up to full power, but when they did, they bathed the bridge in what the newspaper called a "radiant, silver-blue light." Zenith City Online.
The lights reflected poorly on the dark and dull Essex green bridge, spurring a campaign to paint it silver in 1970, according to Duluth News Tribune Attic.
High-pressure sodium lights burn bright
July 4, 1987
New lights, funded by Duluth Rotary Club 25 were illuminated. There is a historical marker on the foot of the bridge which states:
The present dramatic lighting, first seen on July 4, 1987, is made possible through a generous gift from the Rotary Club of Duluth, Club # 25. It symbolizes the warm welcome extended by Duluth citizens to ships and visitors from around the world.
March 2020
In March 2020, the city quietly changed the high-pressure sodium lights on the Aerial Lift Bridge to LED lights. They reportedly cost $155,000, and the city told Fox 21 News that the new lights were “expected to last 22.5 years while saving the city $5,000 annually on energy costs.”
March 2024
The color of the lights illuminating the bridge is adjusted from the standard seen since the LED lights were installed in March 2020. It is not known if this new color is temporary or permanent. LED lights can be adjusted to any color on the spectrum.