SAN DIEGO -- The Coronado Bay Bridge is one step closer to a radical new look, as the Port of San Diego announced on Tuesday which design had been chosen to turn the bridge into a distinctive architectural landmark.

The Port spent $50,000 to search internationally for the best way to turn the Coronado Bay Bridge into a piece of artwork.

Of the top three choices, a special Port panel in July picked a design by British company Peter Fink. Now the board has weighed in and approved the proposal.

"The bridge would be visible all over the tidelands," said Lee Burdick, a Port of San Diego Commissioner.

"The colors can be altered to meet the seasons or it could be turned blue and gold for instance when the Chargers make the playoffs."

The French design would have lit only the span, meaning some along the harbor wouldn't see the artistic lighting.

The California company's idea to have lights play with the wind was innovative, but defeated the purpose of showcasing the bridge.

"[During] high winds the light would be intense. [In] low wind, the light would barely be seen," said

The winning team, which is based in London, created lighting projects for the Bur Al Arab Tower in Dubai, Germany's Steel Works Building and the Canary Wharf Tower in London.

"I think it's a great idea," said Tom Colon, who is visiting from Cleveland, Ohio. He said about a dozen bridges cross over the Cuyahoga River run right through Cleveland.

"Every one of them is a piece of artwork," said Colon. "Cleveland may have more bridges, but Cleveland doesn't have a bridge that big going over the river, so that's quite a giant palette to work from."

Patricia Duncan witnessed the bridge's grand opening in 1969 and even ran two miles across to mark the event.

Duncan said she can't wait to see the lighting.

"I feel it's a good choice," she said.

With an eco-friendly advantage, wind turbines would provide the power.

But before the bridge becomes a reality, $5 million is needed. It will come from grants and private donations, not tax money.

In the next several weeks, the Port will meet with CalTrans, which operates the bridge, to figure out who will be in charge of operating the lights. They will also discuss fundraising ideas.