The Beehive Bridge in downtown New Britain was created with a purpose in mind: to bring a sense of vibrancy, energy, and connectivity to the city. Designed to be a stunning visual attraction, one of the most distinctive features of the bridge is the intricate compound curves of its railings. These curves create an intriguing sense of movement and flow that sets the bridge apart from other structures in the area.

At night, the bridge truly comes alive, as its state-of-the-art LED lighting system transforms it into a breathtaking spectacle of color and light. More than 500 meters of HIGHLIGHTER® DL modules were used to achieve this stunning effect, alongside FL50TM and FL100TM floodlights. The delineation of color changing, and monochromatic lighting follows the curves of the structure which imitates a beehive shape in tribute to the city’s mascot: the bee.

The HIGHLIGHTER® Series was ideally suited for this project because of its 300 mm (1 ft) addressability, flexibility for curved surfaces, and compatibility with INFINITY® Technology for extremely long lighting runs. This dynamic lighting system perfectly complements the flowing curves of the bridge’s design, creating an unforgettable sight that visitors will not soon forget.

The creation of the Beehive Bridge was a true labor of love, involving a massive collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders. Over the course of five years, the City Hall, DOT, numerous design firms, and a steering committee comprised of local artists and business owners worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. Their dedication and commitment have resulted in a one-of-a-kind structure that reflects the beauty and spirit of New Britain, USA.

Partner: ILLUMINATE

Lighting Designer: Atelier Ten

Installer: Signpro