City of Bend pilots LEDs in Franklin and Greenwood underpasses
As a pilot project, the City of Bend replaced approximately 20 existing light fixtures with LED lights at the Franklin Avenue and Greenwood Avenue underpasses during the week of Sept. 19, 2016. The City is working to reduce energy use and LED lights represent a more energy-efficient lighting source.
With LED lights, the City is able to provide brighter lights in the underpasses – where security and visibility are concerns – and use less wattage. Also, the City is always looking to use resources efficiently and LED lights have shown to provide significant operations and maintenance cost savings over time. The old, high-pressure sodium lights required bulb changes about every two to three years. The new LED lights are expected to require zero maintenance for 15 or more years.
The community has expressed interest in better pedestrian and automobile lighting in the Franklin Avenue and Greenwood Avenue underpasses. This new, brighter lighting is intended to improve people’s sense of security and safety.
The City took advantage of an opportunity to install LED lights in these locations because the existing lighting was non-operable and replacement parts for existing fixtures were no longer available at reasonable cost. This area is not adjacent to homes or businesses that would be affected by the brighter lighting.
Now, as the City considers ways to leverage state and federal funding for additional LED lighting projects, they want to hear from the community about this pilot project.
What do you think about the LED pilot projects? Are the lights too bright? Do they make the area feel safer or better for driving, walking or riding bikes? How does it affect visibility? Are there any issues with glare for drivers?
Please send us your feedback at communications@bendoregon.gov and write “LED lights” in subject line.