A £1.6 million scheme to light up three historic railway bridges in Shropshire hopes to stop traffic chaos following numerous lorries having had altercations with the structures - getting stuck and causing queues - as well as make the bridges look more aesthetically beautiful .
The Shropshire Star reported how up to 20 large lorries were getting stuck under the bridges every year which was not only bringing about huge tailbacks but also causing damage to the old structures, which not only have historic value but also serve an invaluable purpose for Network Rail.
According to the paper, the outdoor lighting will see Cross Street Bridge, Castle Foregate North Bridge and Castle Foregate South Bridge - all three of which which are attached to listed buildings such as the grade II-listed railway station and Crewe Junction Signal Box - illuminated in a beautiful blue and white haze.
The consultation for the project showed that 86 per cent of respondents were in favour of the initiative and Network Rail authorities did not mention that they had any objection to the proposals.
Karen Rolfe, conservation officer for Shropshire Council, said of the scheme: "The proposal is considered to have a positive visual impact on the area as part of the overall enhancement programme directed at the Shrewsbury Northern Gateway."
While the project's preliminary purpose is to try to ease the number of collisions, the visual aspect will be equally pleasing to all those who pass by. A spot of clever lighting can completely transform how a structure appears and turn it into a veritable piece of architectural beauty.
This has been demonstrated recently as the San Franscisco Bay Bridge - the Golden Gate Bridge's neighbour - has now been turned into the world's largest LED lighting structure, with 25,000 LED lights fitted to it all individually programmed so that patterns never repeat.
