NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The Korean Veterans Boulevard bridge connecting downtown to east Nashville is getting a new lighting system.

The city is switching out the old incandescent lights and replacing them with more efficient LED lights.

The lights can be programmed to change colors on the bridge’s arch, beams and cables.

A total of 256 color combinations are possible, allowing the city to change the colors for special events and holidays.

“You can actually program when the lights come on, when they dim,” explained Mark Macy, director of engineering for Metro Public Works.

The cost of the upgrade is $2.3 million.

Macy said the energy and maintenance savings means the new lighting system will pay itself off in less than 10 years.

“These LEDs will save 40 to 50 percent in energy costs,” Macy said. And they reduce your maintenance from re-lamping every two years. Now we’re going to re-lamp every 8 to 10 years.”

The project is scheduled to be complete next month.