Lighting the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

The “Necklace of Lights” and the pier lighting on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge were installed in 1984 as part of the Cincinnati Bicentennial celebration.  The responsibility for maintaining the decorative lighting systems belongs to the non-profit, Covington Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee, Inc.  This current lighting system is now on the edge of its projected 25-year lifespan.

The bridge is being repainted now.  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet removed the decorative lighting as part of that work, and they will not replace those lights.

The Committee is seeking to raise $450,000 in private donations to replace the lights with a new energy efficient “green” lighting system and create a maintenance fund.

Project Scope

Our intent is to preserve the stateliness and romantic “feel” of the bridge.  

The Committee has agreed to these criteria:

• Replacement necklace will contain the same number of lights
• Intensity and color rendition of the lights will remain unchanged with the “starburst” glow
• Pier lighting will have the same effect as it does now
• Two lights will be added to illuminate signs at the end of each truss

The Committee is recommending installing the following:

• 76 LED necklace lights
• 16 lower and 16 upper pier lights
• 8 flag lights
• 4 arch lights

In addition, this project will require:

• New cable to feed lights
• Miscellaneous materials, transformers, etc.
• Rental of lift and equipment for installation
• Labor to install the new lighting system

The projected cost for materials and installation is $346,500 A detailed expenditure list and breakdown is available for review.

Maintenance Fund

Life expectancy of the new lighting system is approximately 25 years. The Committee will continue to replace and repair components that fail on the lighting system.

Based on past experience, repair cost will climb as the system ages. For example, in 2006 the Committee spent over $11,000 repairing the lights just for Tall Stacks weekend.

The projected maintenance fund for the next 25 years is $103,500.

The CCSBC respectfully request your donation for this funding.   We need your help and donations now in order to get the lights back on the bridge when it reopens in November with the new paint job.

The beauty the lights add to this historical landmark is priceless.
Please help us keep the bridge shinning brightly in the night sky.

For additional information: please email us »

Donations can be made here on the site. Please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible gift.

On-line donors are eligible for a drawing to receive a “Trip to the Top of the Tower” for four people.  The drawing will be scheduled after the bridge painting project is complete. The group of four will be given a tour to the top of the Covington side tower where they will be able to take in the magnificent skylines of the Ohio River towns that the Roebling Bridge connects.

You can also make checks out to:
CCSBC, Inc.
Bridge Lighting Project
P.O. Box 17777
Covington, Ky 41017-0777