More than a decade after its inauguration, Acrospire worked with Centregreat to deliver a stunning, yet sustainable handrail lighting retrofit to the Newport City Footbridge.
Newport City footbridge (often referred to locally as the Millennium Bridge) gracefully spans the River Usk in South Wales, linking the Rodney Parade stadium area on the east bank to University Plaza on the west. Opened in 2006, its distinctive white crane-like structures pay tribute to the city’s industrial heritage while embracing a modern aesthetic. Over the years, this pedestrian and cycle route has won multiple awards, including recognition from the British Constructional Steelwork Association and the Institution of Civil Engineers in Wales.
More than a decade after its inauguration, the footbridge handrail required a lighting upgrade to maintain safety, reduce energy consumption, and protect the local habitat.
Working with Centregreat, the council’s electrical engineering team, Acrospire’s approach was to retrofit 178 existing strip casings—previously housing 28W fluorescent tubes—with new 12W LED gear tray units, specified in a warm 3000K colour temperature. The installation was streamlined by reusing the current housings, and material waste was reduced.
Where required, an asymmetric distribution ensures that the walkway remains safely illuminated while minimising light spill onto the river below. Upgrading from 28W to 12W per unit translates to an estimated 57% energy saving, a substantial reduction that significantly lowers operational costs. The warm white 3000K LEDs maintain a welcoming ambience, eliminating harsh glare and enhancing user comfort as they cross.
The newly installed LED solution ensures that the Newport City footbridge remains a standout feature of the city’s skyline. Pedestrians and cyclists benefit from improved visibility, reinforcing a sense of safety at all hours.
This reduced energy consumption and targeted illumination reflect Newport’s commitment to environmental stewardship by avoiding unnecessary light pollution and safeguarding the river habitat. In the long term, lower maintenance requirements support the city’s objective of developing resilient infrastructure while honouring the bridge’s iconic design.
Mike Marshall, Contracts Manager, Centregreat, comments, “Newport City footbridge has become an unmistakable symbol of the city’s regeneration. Our retro fit lighting solution upgrade, not only enhances safety and sustainability but also preserves the bridge’s stunning architectural presence for years to come.”
To find out more about Acrospire’s handrail solutions please visit: https://acrospire.co/ranges/handrail/
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