Work will begin soon on phase two of the art installation of LED lights on Blackfriars, Waterloo, the Golden Jubilee, Westminster and Lambeth bridges. This follows the successful use of colourful lighting of four other bridges over the river. Completion of phase two is due next spring.

Four thousand light fittings, 15km of cabling and 250,000 bolts and fixings are set to be installed for the second phase by FM Conway on behalf of the Illuminated River Foundation.

The project eventually aims to light up all 14 central London bridges from Albert to Tower Bridge which, it is claimed, will be the longest public art commission in the world. The piece is designed by artist Leo Villareal and architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.

“We hope that this free and accessible project will open up the riverside public realm spaces and encourage visitors to explore London’s attractions at night,” said Illuminated River Foundation director Sarah Gaventa.

FM Conway’s structures director Matt Smith added: “We are delighted to be awarded phase two of this prestigious project and looking forward to bringing our expertise to the next five bridges as part of this iconic art installation.”

A spokesman for the architect said that colours used on the bridges will reference Impressionist and English Romantic painters and the project aims to “unite the river as a continuous living system, respecting its ecology and revealing the heritage and structure of each bridge. It is civic art and architecture: free, accessible and open to all”.

(Photograph: FM Conway)