Blissfield Railroad Bridge: Blissfield, MI
Products Used: SS2-RGBW-8R-04 (32W RGBW Flood Lights), ColorRay™ SCC5 Signal Receiver with Remote Control
Specifier: Ken Johnson, Gustavo Energy
Installer: Brint Electric
Owner/Client: Village of Blissfield
Overview: Bringing a Historic Structure to Life with Coloronix
Built in 1907 by the American Bridge Company, the Blissfield Railroad Bridge spans the River Raisin and stands as a visual and cultural landmark in the heart of Lenawee County, Michigan. For years, the local government envisioned a lighting installation that would celebrate this historic structure—both as a tribute to the area’s railroad heritage and as a modern feature to enhance the downtown experience.
The Challenge: Flexible, Colorful Lighting with Minimal Infrastructure
When the Blissfield Village Council approved electrical work for the bridge in 2017, no lighting was initially specified. The team sought a solution that would:
- Deliver dynamic RGBW lighting with color-changing capabilities
- Minimize disruption and infrastructure load
- Operate outdoors year-round with reliable dimming and control
- Fit within a budget-conscious municipal scope
The bridge's visibility from a public highway made it an ideal candidate for a vibrant, programmable installation that could reflect seasonal themes, local events, and civic pride.
“We researched ways to light our railroad bridge for about four years. The Coloronix solution provided us enough power to highlight the structure from the river banks, and the ease of changing colors made it a successful investment for our village.”
– Mike Gunter, Village Trustee & DDA Board Member
The Solution: Compact RGBW Floods with Wireless Control
To meet the needs of the project, Coloronix supplied SS2-RGBW-8R-04 32W RGBW Flood Lights. Each compact fixture features InternaMix™ technology for smooth, single-color output and includes:
- 1,100 max lumens
- Direct DMX control with LCD interface
- IP65 weather rating
- Multiple beam spreads
- Proprietary quick-connect system for simplified installation
To streamline operation and allow for flexible programming, the system also included the SCC5 ColorRay™ Wireless Signal Receiver and Remote Control, capable of:
- DMX512 control protocol
- Live color mixing, dimming, and speed adjustment
- Up to 6 programmable scenes
The system was installed by Brint Electric and supplied by Ken Johnson of Gustavo Energy, ensuring a smooth rollout and lasting impact.
Results: A Local Landmark Reimagined
The Blissfield Railroad Bridge now lights up the night with vivid, color-changing illumination that can be tailored for holidays, events, and community initiatives. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the installation, which not only highlights the structural beauty of the bridge but also symbolizes community creativity and pride.
“Lighting the historic railroad bridge has been a goal of the Main Street program for several years. It enhances our downtown area while showcasing our local railroad and rich history. Creating places where people want to visit and spend time is an integral part of a strong local economy.”
– Tyler Dotson, Director of the Blissfield DDA
