The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet intends to start replacing old roadway lighting fixtures with new, energy saving LED lights, with the hope the lights will save millions of dollars in energy costs.
According to a news release, the upgrades will reduce energy consumption of roadway lighting systems by more than fifty percent and save more than $2.8 million a year in reduced utility and maintenance costs. More than 18,000 high-mast and cobra head lighting fixtures will be replaced with energy efficient LED lights on select state-maintained roads across Kentucky. The project has already begun, with 1,000 installed statewide so far.
KYTC Secretary Jim Gray says, “Modernizing our roadway lights with more efficient and longer lasting LEDs is a win-win strategy to stretch taxpayer dollars, improve roadway visibility and reduce the number of maintenance-related lane closures.”
Locally, Hopkinsville Electric System has been replacing older street lights with LED lights, not only to save in costs but to more efficiently illuminate roadways, making them safer for drivers and pedestrians.