Tower Bridge LEDs up for 2012 London Olympics

The Tower Bridge in London has been decked out as part of the celebrations leading to the 2012 London Olympics. The 800-foot-long (243 m) bridge was illuminated using GE’s new energy-efficient LED technology and cabling system, which will reduce the energy required to light the landmark by 40%.

GE’s Tetra Contour architectural LED lighting was moulded on site to fit the shape of the landmark’s unique architectural features. LED floodlights were also installed together with other lamps and fixtures to replace the 25-year-old legacy system. In total, 1,800 energy-efficient LED lights have been fitted, along with 2,000 meters of energy-efficient LED linear lights, 5,000 metres of cable and 1,000 junction boxes.

(photo credit: GE Lighting)

Phil Marshall, president and CEO of GE Lighting EMEA, says: “The combination of architectural and floodlight LEDs were specified to help reduce the energy used to light the bridge by up to 40% compared with the previous system.”

While LEDs are accepted as one of the most efficient lighting sources available, their high upfront costs are a frequent barrier to adoption. The Tower Bridge LED lighting and cabling system was installed at no cost to UK taxpayers, however, thanks to a collaborative funding deal between Mayor of London Boris Johnson, bridge owners the City of London Corporation, and London 2012 sponsors EDF and GE.