Bridge Illumination Panel to Go Public

The Illumination Sub-Committee of the Memorial Bridge Project will provide an informational presentation about their proposal to illuminate the New Memorial Bridge on November 29 at the Portsmouth Public Library.

This first comprehensive public forum will feature presentations by lighting designer, John Powell, and the sub-committee, and intends to provide many of the details involved in the bridge illumination. Not only is the new bridge moving into the 21th century with respect to construction techniques and enhanced durability, but it will also feature energy saving LED (light emitting diode) street lighting and an attractive new illuminated look which will likewise feature LED lighting technology with the ability to change both the intensity and color of the illumination.

Our old bridge had only traditional street lighting in place and never featured any other type of illumination, while our proposal calls for the illumination of the footings, the Memorial Plaque honoring veterans and the two towers.  Also, both the street lighting and the illumination will have many dark sky compliant features, reducing significantly the amount of light impact on our environment at a very low operating cost.  We’ll also discuss the committee’s efforts to fund the illumination and how the community at large can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The sub-committee invites all seacoast area residents to attend this informative evening at the Portsmouth Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide suggestions.

Residents and businesses interested in joining the Memorial Bridge Illumination Pledge-Raising effort should contact:  Rose Eppard at Eppard@usa.net.  For general information about the project, please contact Peter Somssich, 34 Swett Ave. Portsmouth, NH 03801, tel. 603-436-5221.  Additional information is also available by going to the Memorial Bridge Project website at  www.memorialbridgeproject.com.

Submitted by Peter Sommsich, co-chair, Memorial Bridge Illumination Sub-Committee