Bold and beautiful holiday colors are illuminating the downtown skyline of the State’s second-largest city, in Aurora.
Some of the high-tech lighting features on Aurora’s newest bridge were turned on just in time for the holidays.
Although the bridge’s official opening isn’t until Spring, motorists, pedestrians, and passersby, temporarily can delight in the red and green under-lighting of the bridge, a nod to both Christmas and Kwanzaa, for the this week. The lighting color scheme will bring even more razzle-dazzle with changes for the New Year holiday.
“Our newest bridge reflects our history as the City of Lights and symbolizes our future as a city in the process of a vibrant renaissance,” said Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin. “This bridge will be a game-changer for residents, visitors, commuters, and pedestrians, alike. It not only connects both sides of the River; it also connects us to limitless potential for the immediate area.”
The new 900-foot state-of-the-art curved bridge will allow for a quick, convenient walk between commuter parking and accessible neighborhoods on the west bank of the Fox River to the east bank of the River at River Edge Park and the Aurora Transportation Center, which is the pulse point for Metra and Pace.
The lighting features built into the bridge enhance safety and aesthetics. Lights are programmed to reflect various holidays, cultural celebrations, and community causes throughout the year.
Closed to the public while awaiting final preparations over the Winter, the bridge is slated to open for general use in 2021.
This new addition to the Aurora landscape is part of a $14 Million Aurora Transportation Center enhancement project, which received more than $11 Million in federal funding, $2 Million from Kane County Forest Preserve, and additional funding from the Fox Valley Park District.
—City of Aurora Government