HOULTON, Maine — The Gateway Crossing Bridge received a bit of a makeover Thursday, Oct. 1, as the white lights that adorn the structure were replaced with new, updated LED lights.
A trio of volunteers — Josh McLaughlin, Cameron Clark and Peter Chase — undertook the tedious task of removing 250 feet of existing lights and replacing them with new versions. Jane Torres, executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, said all three men willingly gave up a day of work to spend five hours on a lift replacing the lights.
“We wanted to change the lights out before they got really bad,” Torres said. “Days like yesterday (Oct. 1) are exceptionally rewarding and nothing beats the feeling of a job well done when you return later and see the results.”
Using a construction lift, the trio were poised nearly 80 feet above the Meduxnekeag River, as they meticulously removed the string of old lights and then added the new ones.
The purchase of new lights was made possible by a grant from the Putnam Trust, Torres said.
While it may have appeared that the existing lights were in great shape, Torres said there were actually multiple bulbs burned out and many sections on the strand that had exposed wires. The lights have sensor to come on dusk and turn off at daylight.
“The icing on the cake was going back to make sure all of the lights were working that night,” Torres said. “You know those Christmas tree lights? There is always a bad strand. But no, it was beautiful, bright and perfectly done and should last another five years.”
The Gateway Crossing Bridge received an upgrade to its white lights Oct. 1 thanks to the efforts of volunteers, from left, Pete Chase, Josh McLaughlin and Cameron Clark. (Photo courtesy of Jane Torres)
Volunteers Pete Chase, front, and Josh McLaughlin prepare to go up in a construction lift Oct. 1 to replace the white lights on the Gateway Crossing Bridge. Looking on is Cameron Clark. (Photos courtesy of Jane Torres)
