ALDOT moves forward on permit to light  Edmund Pettus Bridge

The project to light the Edmund Pettus Bridge has taken another step forward.  

Mike Lewis, who is heading up Lighting Selma, the 501c3 organization which has taken on the task of getting the bridge lit, said the application was turned into the Alabama Department of Transportation. That includes blueprints, engineering studies and all the paperwork. 

ALDOT’s permit division told Lewis last week that they have decided “to go ahead with the permit application.” 

This does not mean that permission is granted. There is no permit yet. What this means is the application moves to the next step which “is it will be seen by all the responsible divisions like Engineering, Bridges, Maintenance,” Lewis explained. “And each division will have an opportunity to comment. They may ask for clarifications” or suggest changes.  

Lighting Selma will then have the opportunity to send comments and requests for information to the engineers and designers working on the bridge lighting project. This process could go back and forth for quite a while until all parties are satisfied.  

“What this means is we are kind of in the final stages with ALDOT of working out the details,” Lewis said.

ALDOT permission is needed because the Edmund Pettus Bridge is owned by the State of Alabama, as is Highway 80. Lewis said he has been asked when they will paint the bridge, but that will be an ALDOT job.  

Lewis said, “HLB Lighting and Parsons are the two companies we have worked with to get to this point. They have had to do a lot of research and planning.” Lewis reports that both firms have worked on this project pro bono.

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is a National Historic Landmark and is one of the Civil Rights Movement sites being considered for inclusion on the World Heritage Site list. That means more regulation.

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Lewis said he’s fine with the rules “because we want to honor the history of the bridge and its importance. We want it to look as much like it did on March 7, 1965, as possible so when people walk on it in the daytime they aren’t distracted by cables and light fixtures.”  

Lewis said the companies involved have done a lot of research using original blueprints and drawings to ensure they preserve the historic integrity of the site. 

Every fixture and cable is specifically designed and will be made only for this site. Lewis said the company producing the hardware “is giving us a huge discount.”

Since there are some costs incurred, a fundraiser underway to help pay for the hardware for the lighting installation. For a $20 donation, you can get a special Lighting Selma candle. These are available at Reflections Coffee Shoppe, The 5 & Dime and Gallery 905.

Lewis pointed out that one of the requirements for ALDOT approval is proof that the installation will be maintained. “We won't paint the bridge, we won’t maintain the bridge, but if something happens to a bulb or a cable, we are responsible for it,” Lewis said.

He reports that the Alabama Department of Tourism, along with a previous donation, has pledged additional financial support for continued maintenance of the lights.

Once the lighting is installed, the Edmund Pettus Bridge will be able to have different lighting color schemes for various holidays and special observances. 

There are too many variables at this point for any start date or completion date to be considered, according to Lewis.

Lewis said that if anyone wants to learn more or to donate, go to the website www.lightingselma.org. You can also call him at 205-401-8500.