County Converting Traffic Signals to LEDs

Essex County officials are spending a $2.2 million federal grant to install energy-efficient LEDs at traffic signals at about 275 intersections.

The locations include Millburn-Short Hills, although county officials did not have specific locations where they would be installed. LED stands for Light Emitting Diodes.

"Essentially what we are doing is changing light bulbs at a majority of our intersections and replacing them with more energy efficient bulbs. It may not seem exciting or attention grabbing, but the installation of the LEDs will significantly help reduce our energy and maintenance costs, and enhance motor vehicle and pedestrian safety," said County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo in a press release. "Changing the light bulbs is an easy, cost-effective measure we are taking to modernize our infrastructure," he added.

There are approximately 460 signalized intersections along the 215 miles of county roadways. Through this project, about 275 signalized intersections will have traditional incandescent bulbs replaced with LEDs. There are about 50 intersections already equipped with LEDs, and the remaining intersections not included in this contract will be converted over the next four years.

Each of the 275 intersections generally has four approaches, and each approach generally has at least three traffic signals with red, green and yellow lights and two pedestrian crossing signs. It's about 52 traffic signals or pedestrian signals per intersection that will be converted from incandescent bulbs to LEDs. Throughout the entire project, approximately 14,300 lights will be switched.

LEDs consume 83-88 percent less energy and shine brighter than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them more visible in fog, rain and snow, according to the county press release. In addition, the LEDs last about 100,000 hours before they burn out while incandescent bulbs last about 8,000 hours. The conversion to LEDs will reduce energy costs and consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and maintenance costs, according to the release.

The Essex County Department of Public Works applied to the Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and was awarded a $2.2 million grant to convert the traffic lights. Allen Briteway from Whippany was awarded the contract to carry out the traffic signal conversion. The Essex County Department of Public Works will monitor the project to ensure delays are avoided.