Keel Crossing

Keel Crossing
Sunderland
Arup

The lighting of the 250m Keel Crossing in Sunderland by Arup has won a Build Back Better GOLD Award in the 2026 lighting category.

The pedestrian and cycle bridge sits 30m above the river, transforming a major piece of infrastructure into an inclusive, legible and memorable night-time route.

The lighting scheme balances technical precision with civic character, creating a safe crossing that also celebrates the bridge as a new landmark for the city.

The project demanded more than a compliant lighting solution. It had to satisfy planning-stage requirements for light levels, uniformity and environmental control while addressing the human experience of crossing a high, exposed structure after dark.

The result is a scheme that makes the route feel clear, comfortable and inviting, supporting everyday movement as well as major event at the Stadium of Light.

Light is treated as an integral part of the bridge architecture rather than an applied layer. Lensed toughened-glass luminaires are integrated within the stanchions to provide even illumination across the centre of the 10m-wide deck, supporting facial recognition, visual comfort and intuitive wayfinding. Marker lights reveal the parapet rhythm and reinforce the bridge’s sculptural form, while integrated bench lighting creates moments to pause and enjoy views back to the city.

The scheme is deliberately adaptable. DMX controls allow the upper-deck lighting to respond to time of day, pedestrian activity and event use, with increased light levels during peak periods such as stadium match days.

Each stanchion cell is dimmable and uses tunable white light, enabling subtle variation and movement along the crossing. Timed sensors at each end introduce a responsive layer of interaction while maintaining comfort, safety and clarity.

Keel Crossing shows how carefully integrated lighting can contribute to social value, environmental responsibility and civic identity. Warm white edge lighting provides a calm everyday condition, with custom baffles limiting spill light to the water.

For match days and special events, saturated colour and gradual fades transform the bridge into a shared civic marker. The scheme supports active travel, strengthens confidence after dark and gives Riverside Sunderland a distinctive night-time presence.

The project team included Arup Bridge Structures & MEP, Knight Architects, and Volker Stevin. Suppliers included GVA Lighting, EWO, Stoane Lighting, We-ef and LEDlinear. Photography: Chris Swan and GVA.