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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Both bridges across the Mississippi River will be outfitted with new lights thanks to some generous donors. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced Monday a state-of-the-art lighting system will be installed on the Big River Crossing Boardwalk on the Harahan Bridge. The cost was paid for by anonymous Memphians who donated $12 million for the lighting. The Hernando de Soto Bridge will also get new and improved lights. It’s something Mayor Strickland said is desperately needed. “It`s 20, 25-years-old. It`s constant maintenance problems and replacement problems.” These lights, designed by Philips Lighting, will be able to to display millions of colors and move to create patterns for special occasions. “Holidays, special events, when the Grizzlies win the NBA Championship, we`ll be able to change the colors for those special occasions.” “This is a true artistic asset for the City of Memphis, for Shelby County, and the Downtown Memphis skyline,” added Terrence Patterson with the Downtown Memphis Commission. According to the city, the new lights are also expected to have a life of at least 15 years. The lighting should be up by Oct. 22.