LED Control Enclosure
Chatham Kent Bridge
Breathing light into a space that had never before been given the chance to shine.
Project Overview
When we were invited to support the Chatham-Kent bridge rehabilitation, the vision was clear—create a power distribution solution that could bring dynamic, expressive lighting to the entire span of the overpass. But turning that vision into reality meant overcoming a series of technical, environmental, and regulatory obstacles. And that’s where we thrive.
Challenges
The bridge needed an enclosure that could reliably distribute power to LED lighting every 40 feet across more than 320 feet, supporting over 1,200 feet of RGB illumination capable of changing color and brightness. Beyond the system’s complexity, the solution also had to comply with municipal and power authority requirements.
The environment added another layer of challenge. Roadways are harsh and corrosive, so the installation required long-lasting materials. Stainless steel provided durability, but its reflective finish needed to be managed—especially with six units mounted along the overpass—making the balance between performance and appearance essential.
Solution & Build Out
So we took a different approach. Instead of leaving the stainless steel exposed, the enclosures were finished in a soft, off-white coating that allowed them to visually merge with the bridge’s existing railing system. The result was subtle, understated, and intentional—engineering and design working together, quietly enhancing the structure without drawing attention away from it.
At its core is an Acclaim Lighting AL Driver 400, which delivers controlled low-voltage power to multiple lighting channels, allowing for precise dimming and color control. Supporting this is a DMX control interface that translates incoming control signals into commands for the driver, along with a sleek wall-mounted touch controller that provides an intuitive way to adjust brightness, colors, and lighting scenes locally. The system is powered by an internal power supply that converts incoming AC voltage to the required DC output, while built-in circuit protection and a structured terminal block layout ensure safe and efficient distribution of power and signals. A grounding bar and internal service outlet round out the design, making this panel a complete, professional-grade solution for architectural and LED lighting applications.
Results
On March 13th, 2023, after months of design, coordination, fabrication, and installation, the lighting was quietly switched on. No fanfare. No ceremony. Just a bridge transformed. The Magic Lite RGB eStrip and DMX controllers now illuminate the overpass in vibrant colours—celebratory reds, calming blues, seasonal greens, and countless combinations that bring new life and warmth to the community.
Looking back, what makes this project meaningful isn’t only the technology or the engineering. It’s the collaboration. It’s the shared determination to solve complex problems. It’s the belief that with the right team and the right mindset, even a demanding infrastructure project can become an opportunity to create something beautiful.
