What are LED Bridge Light Fixtures?

Bridge lighting encompasses a comprehensive range of specialized fixtures designed to illuminate vehicular traffic, pedestrian walkways, and structural elements. Our bridge lighting addresses the unique challenges of these elevated environments through purpose-built solutions:

• LED street lights - engineered for vehicle traffic illumination with Type II, III, and V distributions
• LED pole top lights offering 360-degree coverage for bridge approaches
• LED shoebox fixtures provide forward throw optics for roadway surfaces
• LED flood lights with 15° to 120° beam angles for structural highlighting
• LED Wall Packs delivering cutoff and semi-cutoff patterns for deck illumination
• LED Vapor Proof Lighting rated at IP65 protection for under bridge decks
• LED Architectural lighting featuring RGBW color-changing capabilities for landmark enhancement

What are the Benefits of Using LED Lighting Fixtures for Bridges?

• Enhanced Visibility: Modern LED optics eliminate the uneven light patterns common with legacy systems. Our fixtures produce uniform illumination that meets IES RP-8 roadway standards while reducing glare for approaching drivers.
• Energy Efficiency: Bridge operators consistently achieve 60-70% energy savings when replacing metal halide systems. A typical 400W metal halide converts to a 150W LED equivalent without compromising light levels.
• Reduced Operational Costs: Maintenance windows on bridges require traffic management and specialized equipment. LED conversion eliminates the need for these costly interventions every 2-3 years that traditional lighting demands.
• Long Lifespan: We typically see 100,000+ hour performance from properly specified bridge fixtures. Based on a 12-hour nightly operation, this represents over two decades of reliable service before any maintenance consideration.
• Durability: Bridge environments subject fixtures to constant vibration from heavy traffic and extreme temperature cycling. Our IP65-rated housings and vibration-resistant drivers handle these conditions without premature failure.
• Low Maintenance: Infrastructure teams can redirect resources toward critical structural maintenance rather than routine lamp replacements. The solid-state design eliminates ballast failures and socket corrosion that plague HID systems.
• Instant On: Full light output occurs immediately upon energizing, crucial for emergency lighting protocols. Perfect integration with photocell controls and 1-10V dimming supports adaptive lighting strategies.
• Reduced Light Pollution: Precision optics and available full cutoff shields contain light within the bridge envelope. This approach protects sensitive waterway ecosystems while maintaining required illumination levels.
• Marine Grade Finishes: Coastal bridges face accelerated corrosion from salt spray. Our polyester powder coat finishes and marine-grade aluminum construction provide enhanced protection with extended warranty coverage for these demanding applications.

Choosing the Right LED Bridge Lighting Configuration

Bridge illumination requires careful consideration of mounting height, roadway width, and traffic patterns. For standard highway bridges with 30-35 foot mounting heights, we recommend Type III distribution fixtures with 4000K color temperature for optimal visibility. Narrower pedestrian bridges perform well with Type II distributions, while complex interchanges benefit from Type V circular patterns.

Power requirements typically range from 100W to 300W per fixture, depending on spacing and coverage requirements. Most bridge applications utilize 480V input power, and our integral drivers automatically accommodate voltage variations without additional equipment. For retrofit projects, existing pole spacing often determines the ideal wattage selection.

Installation Considerations for Bridge LED Lighting

Bridge installations present unique challenges, including wind loading, structural attachment, and electrical routing. Our fixtures feature low EPA wind loading ratings suitable for exposed bridge environments. Mounting options include slip-fitter attachments for existing poles and direct-mount brackets for new construction.

Vibration from traffic loading requires fixtures with robust internal components. We specify surge protection up to 10kV and vibration-rated drivers that maintain performance under constant movement. Proper grounding becomes critical in these elevated, exposed installations.

Smart Controls Integration for Bridge Lighting

Modern bridge lighting benefits from intelligent control systems that adjust output based on traffic conditions and ambient light levels. Our fixtures accommodate 0-10V dimming protocols and integrate with wireless mesh networks for centralized monitoring. Photocell integration provides automatic dusk-to-dawn operation while motion sensors can boost light levels during pedestrian activity.

Many bridge operators implement bi-level lighting strategies that reduce output during low-traffic periods, extending fixture life while maintaining safety standards. These systems typically achieve additional energy savings of 20-30% beyond the base LED efficiency improvements.

Utility Rebates and Bridge LED Conversions

Bridge lighting projects often qualify for substantial utility incentives due to their high-visibility nature and significant energy savings potential. DLC Premium certification ensures maximum rebate eligibility, with many utilities offering enhanced incentives for transportation infrastructure upgrades.

We assist with rebate applications and provide the necessary documentation, including photometric reports and energy calculations. Payback periods for bridge LED conversions typically range from 3-5 years when factoring in energy savings, maintenance reduction, and available incentives.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications ensure safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

5-Year Warranty and Warranty Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us. Our experienced support team understands the importance of keeping your lighting operational and will work quickly to resolve any warranty issues.

LED Bridge Lighting FAQS

What are the Best Lights to Use on a Bridge?

Bridge lighting requires Type III or Type V optics for roadway illumination and 15-60 degree beam angles for architectural accent lighting. We recommend starting by creating a lighting plan which considers mounting height, span width, and local lighting codes. After 17+ years installing bridge systems, fixtures with 150-400 watt equivalent output handle most applications effectively.

What are the Available Color Fixture Options?

Bronze remains the standard choice for most bridge installations due to corrosion resistance in marine environments. Powder-coated finishes in grey, white, and black provide additional aesthetic options while maintaining IP67 weatherproofing.

What are the Available Beam Angles and Optic Options for LED Bridge Lighting?

Type III and Type V optics handle roadway lighting on bridges, while 15-60 degree flood optics work for structural illumination. Narrow 10-degree beams target cable towers and architectural features. Multi-optic configurations combine roadway and accent lighting in single fixtures.

What Safety and Performance Certifications do LED bridge lights carry?

Bridge fixtures carry UL 1598 wet location listing and DLC Premium certification for maximum energy rebates. All units meet IP67 ingress protection and IK08 impact ratings for marine salt spray exposure.

What Warranty and Warranty Support are available for LED bridge lighting?

Bridge lighting systems include 5-year comprehensive coverage on LED modules, drivers, and optics. Our engineering team provides direct RMA support plus 0-10V dimming integration assistance for adaptive lighting controls. Voltage drivers auto-adjust from 120-277V without field configuration.