This application applies to the Indian River Inlet Bridge (IRIB) equipped with a customizable lighting system and addresses external requests for special lighting. Please read the below criteria and information prior to applying.

DelDOT, in its discretion, may approve requests from organizations to commemorate widely recognized or historical events or annual celebrations with the goal of enhancing awareness for a cause or organization.

DelDOT reserves the right to deny requests, including those of a private nature or those that do not meet the criteria outlined above. DelDOT will not approve any request which in DelDOT’s opinion has the potential to negatively impact navigation, or the transitioning of the bridge by vehicles.

DelDOT provides this opportunity as a public service. Bridge lightings do not imply an endorsement of any organization or topic by DelDOT nor is DelDOT obligated to meet or approve any or all requests it receives.

Interested parties must complete a bridge lighting application via the link below or by emailing a scanned copy to DOTPublic@delaware.gov at least 90 days prior to their requested date. The lights will be adjusted for at least one night up to seven nights depending on the number of requests received by DelDOT.

Please select a color for your request from the color chart on the application page. Requests are limited to one color. A color code error may not be addressed immediately. Corrections will be limited and dependent on DelDOT staff availability.

DelDOT will review all applications to ensure they meet the required criteria. If approved, the requestor will be notified by email within 15 days of submission.

DelDOT reserves the right to:

• Remove a requester, organization, cause and/or event from the bridge lighting program for up to 24 months if it’s discovered a requester has provided false or misleading information in the application process.
• Cancel any lighting request if operational needs of DelDOT are unable to meet said request.
• Deny a color or lighting sequence that is a safety hazard to motorists or those operating a marine vessel or aircraft.
• Deny a request based on an existing commitment that may create a scheduling conflict.

All IRIB decorative lighting shall not: Obstruct or interfere with any lights or signals maintained in accordance with regulations prescribed in 33 CFR part 118 – Bridge Lighting and Other Signals, or the horizontal and vertical clearances of the bridge’s navigational opening(s).

Be directed at any angle into the navigational span or channel.

IRIB decorative lights shall be extinguished when directed by the United States Coast Guard if at any time there is a concern for navigational safety. The lights shall remain extinguished until the issue is corrected to the satisfaction of the District Commander of the United States Coast Guard.