NY to Probe Light Problems on Lake Bridge to Vermont

Enlarge image

Credit WAMC/Pat Bradley

Lake Champlain Bridge at dusk

The New York State Department of Transportation is planning to investigate why some of the lights on the new Lake Champlain Bridge to Vermont aren't working.

The $76 million bridge opened late in 2011 after its predecessor, at the same location, was found to be unsafe.

The bridge's lighting system includes 66 LED floodlights, and 276 2-foot long LED pedestrian lights on the handrails. Many are not working.

New York DOT spokesman Bryan Viggiani says the problem will be investigated this spring when it's warmer so engineers can get onto the bridge and look at the wiring.

Viggiani tells Vermont Public Radio the lights are for driver safety and visibility.

The bridge connects West Addison, VT, with Crown Point, N.Y.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.