This design represents the winning entry in an open competition to develop a lighting design for the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the suspension bridge that spans the Delaware River as it connects Philadelphia and Camden. Unlike conventional bridge and architectural lighting, which tends to emphasize large structural elements such as piers and roadbeds, this design highlights the suspension cables themselves from below to create a glowing curtain of light across the river.

Innovative technology was required because a suspension bridge is mostly air with very little structure or surface to reflect light. To deal with this challenge the design solution was based on techniques learned from Las Vegas signs where there is little form or structure and moving, animated lights attract the eye. Conventional metal halide lights, located at the base of the suspension cables for ease of maintenance, illuminate the catenary cable above. An innovative dimming circuit developed by George Izenour allows rapid sequencing of each light, off and on, creating a sense of rapid movement and a shimmering effect from shore to shore; the lighting sequences are triggered by the frequent passages of commuter trains over the bridge.

The blue monotone, the delicate tracery and the shimmer suggest that this is not a Tivoli but part of civic Philadelphia.