DOTD officially announces the completion of the $23 million Crescent City Connection Decorative Lighting Project
Thursday, February 06, 2025 at 10:20:51 AM
New Orleans—The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the completion of the $23 million Crescent City Connection Decorative Lighting Project and officially hands over the new programmable LED system to New Orleans and Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the power of collaboration in improving Louisiana’s infrastructure,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “DOTD is proud to have worked alongside state, local, and city officials to bring this vision to life.”
“The CCC Decorative Lighting Project is a powerful blend of culture and innovation, designed to showcase the very best of New Orleans," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This is another step forward in ensuring our city continues to shine as a world-class destination, reflecting the spirit and pride of our community."
The project was a joint effort between DOTD and the city of New Orleans, with each contributing approximately half of the total costs. In less than a year, 1660 individual LED lights were installed. This new system features colors and themes that extend across the river and reflect off the water, highlighting the outlines of both twin cantilever bridges, including their trusses and piers, which now shine brightly each night.
“The Crescent City Connection is more than just a bridge - it’s a symbol of New Orleans’ strength, culture, and connectivity,” said Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis. “This investment ensures that our city’s iconic skyline continues to reflect our vibrant spirit, welcoming locals and visitors alike, just in time for New Orleans to be center stage on the world’s biggest platform.”
This new lighting system replaced the original lights installed in 1987. Years of wear and tear and hurricane damage caused electrical surges that shorted out bulbs and damaged the electrical grid on the trusses. In 2022, DOTD officials decided not to repair the existing system and replace it with a new, more versatile, cost-effective solution.
Frischhertz Electric, a local family-owned business from New Orleans, installed the new lighting system, while the regional offices of Modjeski and Masters designed the programmable LED lighting. Both companies have a storied history with New Orleans: Modjeski and Masters designed both CCC bridges, and Frischhertz installed the original lighting system in 1987.
The city of New Orleans will manage the programming and maintenance of the LED lighting system. Pre-programmed lighting scenes include themes for Mardi Gras, Patriotic, Saints, Pelicans, Black History Month, Christmas, Halloween and more. The bridges can be illuminated in unison or programmed to light up separately.
“As someone who grew up on the West Bank when we still had tolls, this thrills the kid in me!” said State Representative Mandie Landry.
Officials see the project as more than a lighting upgrade and estimate it will help with economic growth in New Orleans. That all starts with this weekend’s Super Bowl. The bridge currently glows red and green, representing the Chiefs and Eagles.
The project, which would have been installed over two years in normal circumstances, was substantially completed in seven months and has been shining over the Mississippi River since the fall of 2024.
“’Instant Icon’ – promise delivered!’ said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “The Crescent City Connection is not just a vital infrastructure asset—it’s a symbolic gateway to our region’s culture, commerce, and community. Thanks to this transformative investment by the state and implementation by the DOTD, New Orleans will shine brighter than ever for Super Bowl LIX.”
