Halton’s magnificent Silver Jubilee Bridge is to be fitted with more modern architectural lighting to complement the Mersey Gateway.
Work will soon start to replace the existing floodlighting system on the iconic structure, with an upgraded scheme. The switch-on is expected to be around May this year.
The new system has been designed to provide a modern architectural lighting scheme that will reflect the one installed on the Mersey Gateway Bridge where bespoke colour schemes are put in place to mark a range of events and occasions.
It will be a fully controllable, colour-changing LED system which will enable different light scenes to be pre-programmed, allowing illumination to be colour synchronised with the Mersey Gateway.
Cllr Stef Nelson, the Council’s portfolio holder for Environment & Urban Renewal, says: “Installing this fantastic modern lighting on the Silver Jubilee Bridge has been an aspiration of ours for several years. Both of our bridges are iconic structures which are architecturally impressive, and we feel this improved lighting will help boost the position of the SJB as a major landmark in the North West, and help contribute towards promoting a night time economy and culture in the borough.”
The actual work includes stripping out the old lighting, including all associated electrical services, followed by installation and testing of the new system.
As the Council’s contractors will need to work on the bridge’s arch, it will be necessary for the work to be carried out under full, daytime closures of the bridge. Access will be maintained, however, for bus services, pedestrians and cyclists. Motorists wishing to cross the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be directed to a signed diversion route that uses the Mersey Gateway.
These daytime closures of the bridge will be weekdays, 8am-5pm, starting on Monday 27th February.
While the installation work is underway, the Council’s contractors will also be undertaking a range of routine maintenance activities on the structure.
Preparatory work for the lighting project will take place from Monday 6th February within daily lane closures, under traffic light control.
All the work is due to be completed and the lighting in place before the end of May 2023.
The aspiration for an architectural lighting scheme for the Silver Jubilee Bridge was factored into the overall funding arrangements for the Mersey Gateway project.
As such, the cost of the scheme will be met from a combination of Council capital funding and capital borrowing with the interest and eventual repayment charged to the Mersey Gateway Project. The scheme will not impact on the budget for Council services.