It has been in the dark for nearly a year, but a colorful part of Toledo's skyline is making a comeback.

“It’s been kind of a long journey, but it’s really cool and we’re excited that it’s finally paying off," said Ohio Department of Transportation spokesperson Rebecca Dangelo.

Thursday, ODOT crews began testing all new lighting on the Veterans' Glass City Skyway that carries a portion of I-280.

The Toledo landmark went dim last November after years of issues with the original lighting that was installed when the bridge opened in 2007.

"A section could go out and then that could potentially cause the whole thing to go out or a whole section to go out," said Dangelo of the lighting problems that previously plagued the bridge.

After months of work, and $700,000 later, the bridge's pylon has been outfitted with 192 all new LED lights.

“We have replaced all of the lighting fixtures in the structure which is really cool because now we’ve got that new updated technology," said Dangelo.

One technological benefit includes the ability to remotely control the lights from ODOT's office in Bowling Green. A second allows crews to program the pylon with new designs, including some from local artists.

"It’s a fascinating way to apply my visual skills to something unique," said Toledo-based glass worker Gail Christofferson.

Christofferson is one of a handful of local artists whose work will shine bright on the pylon thanks to ODOT's partnership with the Toledo Arts Commission.

“I think it’s a nice home touch—that we didn’t just put some lights up there and call it a day," said Christofferson.

The glass artist shot video of her work and a New York-based lighting company then turned it into a display for the bridge.

"They vacillate between deep orange to white to light oranges and that’s what will appear on the bridge," said Christofferson of her design. "[It's] sort of a movement of across a piece of glass.”

With a few more weeks of testing ahead, the signature part of Toledo's riverfront will soon become an even bigger part of the community.

“We’re just excited to have the bridge re-lit and to have to a postmark thing of Toledo back to where it needs to be," said Dangelo.

Testing on the lights will continue on and off over the coming weeks as ODOT works out any remaining technical glitches.

Leaders hope to have the lights fully programmed by November to start displaying special designs and "shows" for holidays and other big events.