Chain of Rocks bridge lighting install

The Chain of Rocks Bridge, a bike-ped only crossing of the Mississippi River that was formerly part of historic Route 66, has now had lighting installed. According to a Belleville News-Democrat article, Madison police will continue to close the bridge at night, but the lighting makes it possible to schedule use of the bridge for special events in the evening.

"You're not blinded by the light. It lights up the deck, but you don't have light shining in your eyes," said Ted Curtis, executive director of the nonprofit Trailnet, which operates the bridge.

The 77-year-old bridge at Madison that once was part of historic Route 66 has undergone a $4.5 million renovation over the past 10 years. The new, high-tech LED lights cost about $600,000, Curtis said.

The light on the bridge also adds a pretty view to the night landscape from nearby Interstate 270, said Kathi Weilbacher, Trailnet event and media manager.

"It looks like a string of pearls," Weilbacher said.