Brightening Our Path: New Lighting Illuminates the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge

Earlier this month, crews installed 21 new color-changing LED lights up high on the arches of the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge. The project, completed between August 3 and 6, adds a fresh, vibrant glow to this beloved pedestrian spot while making the bridge safer to cross. Thanks to energy-efficient technology and a $15,000 investment from the 2025 "Livability Levy," these lights will brighten the bridge for years to come without adding extra costs for the city.

Cost Savings and Enhanced Safety

The new LED lights feature photocell sensors that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn, adjusting naturally with the changing seasons. This upgrade enhances visibility and safety while helping to protect the city's investment by minimizing maintenance needs. Over the past three years, the previous lower railing lights inside the walkway required frequent repairs, which added up to approximately $60,000 in maintenance and replacement costs. The new, more durable and strategic lighting offers a thoughtful, long-term solution to keep the bridge shining bright.

Better for Birds and Wildlife

With the ability to use LED bulbs instead of ground-level bright white lights, the lighting feature not only is a cost-savings feature, but also better for Salem's feathered friends. The US Department of Fish and Wildlife recommend that if lighting is required near wildlife areas for safety or security, communities should avoid bright white lighting (such as the type of lighting that previously illuminated the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge) to not disturb nearby birds and wildlife. Our new lighting scheme is not only safer for pedestrians and cyclists, but also better for our animal neighbors.

Key Highlights

• 21 new color-changing LED lights installed on the arches.
• Lights operate from dusk to dawn with photocell sensors.
• The city can change the colors of the lights (an included feature at no extra charge).
• Potential for special event lighting in the future.
• Funded by the 2025 Livability Levy.