'Bay Lights' On Western Span Of Bay Bridge Will Be Switched Off Next Month
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — The waters of the San Francisco Bay will be a bit darker beginning next month as the Bay Lights display on the Bay Bridge will be turned off—temporarily.
The switch to the popular display with its 25,00 LED white lights that run 1.8 miles across the western span of Bay Bridge will be shut off on March 5 allowing Caltrans crews to begin maintenance on the cables.
The SF Weekly reports, however, that the lights will be reinstalled sometime during February 2016—before Super Bowl 50—at the cost of $4 million paid for by private donations.
Illuminate the Arts has planned events to mark the temporary shutdown of the exhibit including a "Sunrise String Quartet" which will perform on March 6 at 5:45 a.m. for the last hour of illumination.
The public artwork created by Leo Villareal and installed in 2013, is the world's largest LED light sculpture.
Once the Bay Lights are returned to the bridge in February 2016, it will be gifted to the state for ongoing stewardship.