New Year's "Bridge Effect"
In January of each year since 1998 the Sydney Harbour Bridge has a "bridge effect" where a framework and rope lighting are used to compliment the fireworks on New Years Eve. In the months leading up to December 31 (usually late October), the scaffolding and framework are clearly visible, as is the outline for the particular effect design, which in turn leaves the Sydneysiders speculating as to what may be involved.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Eternity_Sydney_Harbour_Bridge_Millenium_2000.gif)
Sydney Harbour Bridge with the word "Eternity" in copperplate 1998-99 - Smiley face with hair. 1999-2000 - "Eternity" in Copperplate writing, in honour of Arthur Stace 2000-01 - Rainbow Serpent and Federation Star. 2001-02 - Uluru 2002-03 - Dove of Peace 2003-04 - Light show (not a rope lighting effect.) 2004-05 - Disco ball (not a rope lighting effect.) 2005-06 - Love Heart (3 concentric love hearts with lights behind the middle) 2006-07 - Coathanger, a diamond and a question mark. The 2006 bridge effect is for the bridge's 75th anniversary in 2007. The theme is "A Diamond Night In Emerald City", with "The Coathanger" being its nickname, and the diamond jubilee being 75. The Emerald City is a reference to the book of the same name and The Wizard of Oz, with Dorothy's red shoes playing a role.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Eternity_Sydney_Harbour_Bridge_Millenium_2000.gif)
Sydney Harbour Bridge with the word "Eternity" in copperplate 1998-99 - Smiley face with hair. 1999-2000 - "Eternity" in Copperplate writing, in honour of Arthur Stace 2000-01 - Rainbow Serpent and Federation Star. 2001-02 - Uluru 2002-03 - Dove of Peace 2003-04 - Light show (not a rope lighting effect.) 2004-05 - Disco ball (not a rope lighting effect.) 2005-06 - Love Heart (3 concentric love hearts with lights behind the middle) 2006-07 - Coathanger, a diamond and a question mark. The 2006 bridge effect is for the bridge's 75th anniversary in 2007. The theme is "A Diamond Night In Emerald City", with "The Coathanger" being its nickname, and the diamond jubilee being 75. The Emerald City is a reference to the book of the same name and The Wizard of Oz, with Dorothy's red shoes playing a role.