The pretty blue lights supposed to give a nighttime glow to the R. Kelly Bryant Jr. Pedestrian Bridge over the Durham Freeway are out again.
But "We're Working On It" is the word from City Hall.
"We are actively pursuing the problem resolution," wrote Ed Venable, the city's engineering manager for public works, in response to a citizen's enquiry.
So it has gone almost since the bridge was dedicated last September.
The lights were installed to outline the bridge (as in the picture at right) for motorists' aesthetic pleasure, and looked great in the pre-construction renderings. For months now, repairs have been attempted, even to the extent of closing freeway lanes a night or two in December, but to little avail.
Here's Venable's update:
- "Initially the entire system failed, and we think it was a lighting strike. We have looked into the lighting protection system to see if it needs any changes."
- "That was followed by the system kicking out a breaker when it tried to illuminate in the evenings. The electricians traced the problem to a faulty wire in one of the lighting poles."
- "Next was a few burned out point lights that are along the bottom of the bridge. Those lights were replaced. We are awaiting a report from the lighting manufacturer on the cause."
- "Now one of the sections of the arc light has burned out. The replacement was not immediately available and the electrician is awaiting the parts. The burned out section will be sent to the manufacturer for analysis."
Fortunately for Durham taxpayers, the bridge is still under warranty and City Hall is on top of the situation.
"The bridge," Venable wrote, "continues to be monitored daily."
