LED lighting proposed for Clark Bridge

The Clark Brdige will probably get LED lighting technonology. The $1 million proposal is spearheaded by Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau CEO Cory Jobe and Alton Alderman Ray Strebel. Aldermen will hear more about the plan at their Wednesday night meeting.

Clark Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge across the Mississippi River between West Alton, Missouri and Alton, Illinois. Named after explorer William Clark like the bridge it replaced, the cable-stayed bridge opened in 1994. It carries U.S. Route 67 across the river
Along with creating an artistic night skyline, planners say the project will enhance safety and security for the bridge.

The project would use LED lighting to greatly reduce the energy needs of illuminating the bridge. According to planners, the existing Clark Bridge lighting draws 165 watts per fixture. The new lighting would consume only 45 watts per fixture — a 73% reduction in energy use.