The Grandes-Fourches Bridge won the Illumination Award for Best Outdoor Lighting Design at the IES-Montreal. This award recognizes excellence in the execution of the lighting design in all aspects, including aesthetics, techniques and innovative solutions adapted to the site.
The new Grandes-Fourches Bridge revitalizes part of downtown Sherbrooke. EXP delivered this major redevelopment project for the City of Sherbrooke. The integration of an iconic bridge and a turbo roundabout, along with the reconfiguration of over one kilometer of urban roadway, has improved access to downtown Sherbrooke and created a safer environment for traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
The lighting design team developed innovative solutions to illuminate the new bridge, particularly to ensure safe crossing for pedestrians and accentuate architectural elements. This unique design demonstrates a thoughtful approach to outdoor lighting design, while also protecting night sky visibility in an urban setting.
Elements that contributed to winning the award include:
- Use of decorative streetlights – roadway lighting: Compliance with regulations related to light pollution, emitting less than 10% of blue wavelengths, specifically between 405 and 530 nanometers.
- Addition of architectural lighting on the structure: Design of a custom, unique architectural streetlight that integrates seamlessly with the bridge.
- Illumination of the bridge’s lateral arches: Design that accentuates lighting on the arches and dims in intensity later in the evening to protect the night sky and enhance Sherbrooke’s built heritage.
EXP’s 3D modeling and drone teams created renderings of each stage of the project’s design, which were presented to the client. This communication sparked a deep understanding of the concept and the necessary adjustments to be made during implementation.
Safe Pedestrian Crossing – Flashing signals activated by push-button,
high vertical and ground-level lighting without glare for road users.
Illumination of the bridge’s lateral arches
Architectural streetlights
Louis-David Houle, Project Manager, Roadway Lighting, Traffic Signals and ITS
Learn more about Lighting Design at EXP.