[JonathanGRR]

Downtown Development Authority announces new color scheme for iconic 'Blue Bridge'
Jim Harger | jharger@mlive.com | January 22, 2013

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Downtown’s beloved “Blue Bridge” will remain blue.

Except on Valentine’s Day, when it may be red. Or on Christmas Eve, when it may be red and green.

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Kris Larson announced today that the iconic bridge will get a fresh coat of blue paint that will resemble its current color, which has faded over the years.

As for the other colors, they will come from a battery of LED bulbs that will be mounted on the bridge and enable the DDA to change the bridge’s hues in the evening, Larson said.

The new lights will reflect a blue light on the bridge most evenings. But the LED bulbs also will be able to change colors for special occasions, such as Valentine's Day or Christmas, Larson said.

“When we complete the restoration, the bridge will be blue – but better,” said Larson.

The new lighting will be part of a $1.3 million makeover of the former railroad bridge that was converted to pedestrian use in 1987. Besides the new paint job and lights, the restoration project also will include replacing part of the walkways and an expansion joint.

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