There were two principal goals for the
Biloxi Bay Bridge Replacement: to meet all of the structural needs of a
bridge in this hurricane-blown area and to meet a strict timeline to
reconnect the communities that had been separated by the destruction of
the existing bridge during Hurricane Katrina. The new bridge also
needed to reflect the grace and beauty of the area and visually
represent the link between these communities. At night, this is
achieved with a necklace of light that emphasizes the horizontal
connection from shore to shore. The outside faces of the piers are
illuminated to tie the bridge to the water and show the strength of the
structure. The lighting, which was awarded an Illuminating Engineering
Society (IES) Award of Merit, creates a beautiful nighttime image that
represents the strength and determination of the surrounding
communities.