ROCK ISLAND, Ill — Drivers might notice the Centennial Bridge is a bit darker than usual for a few nights, and it's all in the name of helping some feathery friends.
According to River Action Quad Cities, the organization will shut the bridge's lights off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on May 6, 7 and 8. Officials said the action will benefit nocturnal migratory birds travelling through the Quad Cities on those nights, who can be disoriented by bright lights. That distraction can sometimes cause fatal collisions with buildings or other hazards.
River Action estimated that as many as 28,000 birds will fly through during the first two nights, with an additional 16,000 to 28,000 coming through on Wednesday. Officials also encouraged Quad Cities residents nearby the flyway to turn off their non-essential lights during the same time period the bridge lights will be off.
You can learn more about what to expect for the 2024 migration here.