Knoxville Celebrates the Return of Henley Bridge Lights
Knoxville, Tennessee, recently experienced a moment of nostalgia and excitement as the lights on the Henley Bridge were turned on for the first time in six years. The bridge, known for its vibrant colors that once celebrated various events, had gone dark due to weather damage and humidity. However, on the evening of August 29, 2024, the community gathered to witness the iconic structure sparkle again, this time in orange and white.
A New Era of Lighting Technology
Owner of LED Lighting Concepts, Ginger Jamrog, addressed the crowd at the re-lighting ceremony. She expressed her pride in making Knoxville the first large city to install this new lighting technology. “Our new lamp combines LED and mesh technology, allowing for unprecedented control over architectural lighting applications,” she explained. The Henley Bridge has now become the first project in the nation to utilize this modern lighting solution.
The new lighting system is a significant upgrade. It is brighter, more durable, and less expensive than its predecessor. The installation involved dismantling and cleaning the 180 lights—90 on each side of the bridge—replacing them with advanced technology. This will allow the lights to display a full spectrum of colors, making it possible to celebrate various events and causes.
Civic Celebrations on the Horizon
In the coming weeks, the lights will change colors to mark special occasions. For instance, the bridge will light up in multiple colors for the Knox Asian Festival next week and will glow pink in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, residents can expect the lights to shine in red, white, and blue to celebrate local events such as Knoxville’s founding anniversary and upcoming national election day.
Mayor Kincannon was delighted with the launch of the new lights. “We’re excited to have found a cost-effective solution that will again allow us to program the bridge lights in almost any color combinations,” she remarked. The new technology not only makes the lighting more reliable but also more affordable, which was crucial since the old lights failed in 2018.
A Remarkable Transformation
The original lights were part of a comprehensive $24.6 million reconstruction of the Henley Bridge that commenced in 2011. They were powered by DMX cable, which is typically used in theaters. The new system, however, is revolutionary. It uses Bluetooth mesh technology, allowing for a wireless setup. The lights can now be activated remotely by city officials using a password-protected phone or tablet.
Community Response and Future Plans
The re-lighting of the Henley Bridge has drawn enthusiastic responses from the Knoxville community. Residents are eager to see the bridge illuminated for various occasions and events throughout the year. The city council has already released a schedule outlining commemorative lightings for 2024, enabling everyone to plan ahead and enjoy the colorful spectacle.
This reintroduction of color to the iconic Henley Bridge not only symbolizes a return to tradition but also highlights Knoxville’s embrace of technology for community beautification. With its advanced capability and striking visual appeal, the Henley Bridge is poised to become a cornerstone for celebrations, unity, and local pride.
As we look ahead, the new lighting technology promises to enhance the way Knoxville celebrates its rich culture and community spirit, making the Henley Bridge a beacon of joy, remembrance, and a call to come together as a city.
