Dynamic light installation proposed for 606 trail’s Milwaukee Ave. bridge

While plans to extend Chicago’s 606 trail eastward to Lincoln Park may be some ways off, a more immediate plan to dress up the popular elevated path’s highly visible Milwaukee Avenue bridge with changing lights could be realized before this year’s holiday season. Known as Turning Sky, the proposed installation comes from The Trust for Public Land and the artists of Luftwerk, who were responsible for past installations at Marina City, Garfield Park Conservatory, and "The Bean" at Millennium Park.

Expected to open in mid-December and operate for five years, the ever-shifting display would morph its colors based on weather conditions along the 2.7-mile trail. The hues of the LED light nodes attached to the arched bridge’s suspension cables would be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind.

TurningSky_MAC from The 606 on Vimeo.

The Trust for Public Land/Luftwerk partnership plans to fund Turning Sky as well as other visual and performing arts programming along the 606 via a recently launched online campaign. According to the Chicago Tribune, the group hopes to reach its goal of $25,000 by year’s end. So far, the effort has received $1,500 in donations with 81 days still remaining.

• Milwaukee Avenue bridge to light up along The 606 [Chicago Tribune]
• Support Arts on The 606 [The Trust for Public Land]