Lights for new Brunswick bridge not done deal

BRUNSWICK - Getting approval to hang decorative lights on the new Sidney Lanier Bridge has proved difficult to officials from the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce. <br> <br> The bridge is expected to open in July -- more than a year late -- and will be the tallest in Georgia. <br> <br> Woody Woodside, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said he has asked the Glynn County delegation at the Capitol to make sure the lights are installed. <br> <br> The state Department of Transportation&#39;s construction engineer on the prokect, Lisa Sikes, said they could be added before or after the bridge opens. <br> <br> Woodside said, ``Down here people had no idea that it wasn&#39;t going to be included. The chamber is very interested in seeing the superstructure in Brunswick illuminated. In fact, it should be since it&#39;s the tallest bridge in Georgia.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> When the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressed concerns that the lighting plan could affect young sea turtles, the cable and tower lighting was dropped from the building contract. <br> <br> Greg Masson, an assistant field supervisor with the service, said when sea turtles emerge from their nests in the Atlantic Ocean, they head out to sea toward the lighter colored water. He said the lights could affect the turtles sense of direction and cause them to come to the coast. <br> <br> Masson said ``turtle friendly&#39;&#39; bulbs can be used on the bridge; they&#39;re already going to be installed in street lights on the north approach span of the bridge. <br> <br> Even if these bulbs are used, somebody has to agree to pay the monthly bill. The most likely source would be Glynn County. <br> <br> The new bridge will replace a 43-year-old drawbridge the Coast Guard has declared a navigation hazard.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/2/199338