LED lights put to the traffic test
LED lights are to be tested on two bridges in the US city of San Jose.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is keen to see if the low-energy bulbs could be used as a more efficient alternative to the existing lighting systems on bridges across the area.
Over 250 LED bulbs will be installed on the Carquinez and Richmond-San Rafael bridges over the next few weeks.
The Carquinez bridge has been fitted with 56 LED lights, while 100 have been installed on the larger Richmond bridge with plans in place to add another 100.
Bob Haus, spokesman for Caltrans, told the San Jose Mercury that the LED lights are expected to last for ten years compared to the two years sodium bulbs offer.
"We want to see how they hold up in the winter," he said. "Bridges are challenging environments, with high winds, salt water, and vibrations from all the vehicles."
If the pilot proves successful, Caltrans will look to install LED lights on several bridges across the state.
Thursday, 11th September 2008
