Under a twilight sky, the historic New Hope-Lambertville Toll-Supported Bridge connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey shimmered with its new LED lights during its rededication last Tuesday evening.
Roughly 200 guests gathered at the Lambertville Station Inn for the ceremony that began with the National Anthem, which was sung by the New Hope-Solebury High School Chamber Choir.
Mayors Larry Keller of New Hope Borough and Andrew Nowick of the City of Lambertville were among the many officials from both sides of the river who celebrated.
Joe Resta, the commission’s executive director, talked of the major tasks, travel impacts, and the discovery and repair of a severely deteriorated structural connection that forced an extension of the rehabilitation project.
“Today we celebrate the end of all this work,” he said. “This bridge once again is in good repair and its service life is extended for new generations of residents, motorists, and visitors to traverse and enjoy.”
Commission Chairman Aladar G. Komjathy, a Lambertville resident, acknowledged the burden of the traffic and pedestrian impacts.
“Capital projects are never easy,” said Komjathy. “That’s especially true when the structure needing attention is a weight-restricted two-lane truss bridge like we have here between New Hope and Lambertville. We thank all of you for your patience and understanding. You are all individually and collectively the real shining lights of this newly rehabilitated bridge.”
Around 7:45 p.m. came the moment everyone awaited: the inaugural lighting of new LED lights on the span.
A playful April Fools’ Day prank by the South Hunterdon Regional Elementary School’s Crazy 8s Math Club brought a collective gasp when the lights didn’t turn on, followed by relieved laughter, before the bridge’s new LED architectural lighting system illuminated the night.
The bridge’s architectural lighting is a colorful, programmable display.
The festivities culminated with the lively sounds of the South Philadelphia String Band, their Mummers’ music leading a joyful procession across the bridge’s newly renovated walkway.
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